Around 1,800 volunteer representatives read out their oaths to uphold their duties and serve the Games with sincerity at the ceremony held on September 14 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Photo: Courtesy of organizing committee

At the Hong Kong Kai Tak Sports Park, the host venue for the para boccia events of the inaugural Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games, volunteers in white T-shirts were stationed throughout the arena, assisting athletes media and staff in every corner of the venue.

May Tang, a Hong Kong volunteer who works in the banking sector, has served at major Para-Special Olympics special events. At Kai Tak Sports Park, she helped facilitate the boccia competitions.

“Boccia is a niche sport that usually doesn’t get much attention,” Tang said. “So when Hong Kong athletes made a good shot and supporters from other teams in the audience applauded and cheered along, I was genuinely surprised and deeply moved. In that moment, you could really feel everyone’s hearts connect.”

Unlike in-venue volunteers recruited from students, Tang told the Global Times that volunteers at the National Games and Para-Special Olympics span a diverse age range, from senior volunteers in their 80s to expectant mothers seven months into pregnancy. “Everyone carries the same passion for volunteer work,” she said. “We work together with one goal – to ensure the smooth running of the Games.”

According to the organizing committee of the Hong Kong competition zone, more than 16,000 volunteers served across the National Games and Para-Special Olympics, forming the largest volunteer team in Hong Kong’s history.

At a pledge-taking ceremony held on September 14 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, around 1,800 volunteer representatives read out their oaths to uphold their duties and serve the Games with sincerity, followed by a flag-presentation ceremony. Paris Olympic women’s individual epee fence gold medalist and Hong Kong Jockey Club volunteer team member Vivian Kong, along with former Hong Kong basketball player Leung Kwok-shing, were appointed volunteer ambassadors.

For Guangdong Team II athlete Zheng Yuansen, a four-time Paralympian in boccia, the joint hosting of the Para-Special Olympics by the three regions carries particular significance.

“I’ve been to Hong Kong several times, and this event has been excellent,” he told the Global Times. “The volunteers have been incredibly helpful and warm-hearted.”

Tang echoed that sentiment, adding that she hopes Hong Kong will have more opportunities to co-host major national sporting events in the future. “The more exchanges, the better,” she said.