Editorial | Staging the Gay Games will send a positive message
- Being a co-host of the scaled-back event in November next year will provide a perfect opportunity to show that Hong Kong is reconnecting with the world
The original plan was for there to be 12,000 participants in 36 events. This has been cut back to 7,000 taking part in 22 disciplines. Others will take place in Guadalajara.
It is still hoped 25,000 visitors will arrive and that international athletes will participate. But the organisers are prepared for a reduced turnout limited to locals should quarantine still be required for arrivals to the city.
It will still be an exciting occasion with a variety of sports planned, including aquatics and track and field. In Hong Kong, there will also be dragon boat racing and even mahjong.
The fact that steps are being taken to guard against the possible impact of quarantine a year from now underlines the challenges Hong Kong faces in opening up and reconnecting with the world.
But the Gay Games provides a perfect opportunity to show this has been achieved. The event, if open to overseas visitors, would boost the city’s battered economy. It was originally estimated that it could bring in as much as HK$1 billion (US$127.4 million) .