Kai Tak Sports Park design must change so Hong Kong can host major athletics events, says chief
Kwan Kee says a lack of warm-up facilities will hamper the city’s ability to host big international meets, but that the government is reconsidering
Athletic officials remain confident of staging major international events at the proposed Kai Tak Sports Park despite a lack of warm-up facilities for track and field events in the HK$32 billion project.
Chairman of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association Kwan Kee said the government was prepared to make some concessions after repeated requests.
“The Sports Park has plenty of space and if the government is willing to help, there should not be a big problem in securing sufficient areas for track and field warm-up facilities,” said Kwan.
“We have stated clearly we need such facilities to stage international events and from our impression during negotiations with the government, they are very serious in reconsidering our request.
“It would definitely be a major upset for the athletics community if we cannot stage international track and field competitions in the so-called landmark of Hong Kong sports. There has to be some solution.”
While there will be no running track in the design of the 50,000-seat main stadium – allowing better views for spectators of ball games such as soccer and rugby – the adjacent public sports ground that holds up to 5,000 fans will feature a 400-metre running track for athletics, plans show.