With 2024 marking the 15th anniversary of the coming into force of the Race Discrimination Ordinance, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) kicked off celebrations for this milestone by successfully organising the Racial Diversity & Inclusion Sports Day 2024 today (21 April 2024) on the campus of the Event Partner The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr CHEUK Wing-hing, GBS, JP, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau, SBS, Chairperson of the EOC, and EOC Members.

Showcasing the power of sports, the Sports Day aimed to promote the values of racial integration, mutual respect and collaboration among people of diverse races, making Hong Kong a more inclusive and harmonious society. Teams including celebrities and multi-racial representatives from the disciplinary forces played an invitational dodgeball game at the start of the day, followed by schools and corporates teams participating in various sports activities, including 3-on-3 basketball and 6-on-6 dodgeball competitions. The event also featured booths and games related to fundamental movement skills, allowing participants of all abilities to take part in the event and further promoting a healthier lifestyle. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, GBS, JP, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government said: “The Government has been committed to promoting equal opportunities in accessing public services by citizens regardless of their races, and fostering the integration of people from different ethnic groups to build a caring and inclusive society. Promulgating racial inclusion and creating a harmonious society calls for the collaboration and support of the entire society. The Racial Diversity and Inclusion Sports Day allows participants of different ethnicities, backgrounds, ages, and professions to make friends through sports and enable communication through games and competition. I am very delighted to see members of the public from the sports, education and corporate sectors, community organsations and my fellow colleagues from Government Departments taking part in the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Sports Day, joining hands in building a more diverse and inclusive society through practical actions.”

Ms Linda Lam Mei-sau, Chairperson of the EOC welcomed all the guests, participants and audience to the ceremony. She stated: “This is truly a special occasion – not only because this is my first participation in racial diversity and inclusion event since taking up the position as the Chairperson of the EOC 10 days ago, but also this is the first time we are promoting the message of diversity, equality and inclusion through a sporting event. What’s more, today’s event marks the official start of our celebrations to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the entry into force of the Race Discrimination Ordinance, a seminal piece of law that has changed the racial equality landscape in Hong Kong.”

The Sports Day received strong support from various sectors. Sixteen primary and secondary schools participated in the 6-on-6 dodgeball competition. After multiple rounds of intense competition, the Secondary division championship was claimed by the team from Delia Memorial School (Glee Path), while Tsing Yi Trade Association Primary School came out on top in the Primary division. Ten corporates also took part in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, with EY emerging as the champion.

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Equal Opportunities Commission
21 April 2024

Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, GBS, JP, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government (centre), Ms Linda Lam Mei-sau, SBS, Chairperson of the EOC (third from right) perform the opening ceremony of the “Racial Diversity & Inclusion Sports Day” along with EOC Members today (21 April 2024).

The EOC today (21 April 2024) holds a “Racial Diversity & Inclusion Sports Day” to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the implementation of the Race Discrimination Ordinance.

Ms Linda Lam Mei-sau, SBS, Chairperson of the EOC gives a speech at the opening ceremony.

Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, GBS, JP, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government is delighted to see members of different sectors taking part in the Racial Diversity and Inclusion Sports Day, joining hands in building a more diverse and inclusive society through practical actions.

Ms Linda Lam Mei-sau, SBS, Chairperson of the EOC (eighth from left), Professor Fu Ho Ying, Jeanne, Vice President of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (Learning and Student Experience) (seventh from left) in a group photo with invitational tournament guests.

Participants of the sports day show enthusiasm and fully enjoy the game!

Participants of the sports day show enthusiasm and fully enjoy the game!

Participants of the sports day show enthusiasm and fully enjoy the game!