Gay Games HK highlights the 'Lion Rock spirit' with new ad video and mascot Sunny

Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023 (GGHK), which is set to debut in November this year, has unveiled details and updates of the event, including its new lion mascot Sunny and a lion dance-themed promotional video.

Also known as “The Pride Lions”, the promotional video is produced in partnership with Havas Hong Kong. It features an LGBTQ couple performing lion dance in a traditional Chinese village. While lion dance is a traditional celebration in Hong Kong that symbolises honour and respect, it is generally seen as a “Chinese male-only” sport whereby other minorities, including women, sexual minorities and ethnic minorities may not feel included and welcomed. 

The video challenges this norm by featuring a couple who display the rainbow flag, which represents diversity and inclusion, alongside the colorful lion costumes. Their love story transcends the boundaries of tradition and shows that everyone deserves an equal stage to celebrate their identity. Furthermore, the video is accompanied by the classic song "Love is a flag flown high", of which the lyrics resonate with GGHK's message of courage and freedom.

Commenting on the video, Kenneth Tung, executive creative director of Havas Hong Kong, said: “How accepting is Hong Kong of the LGBT community? We don't have a clear answer yet, so we decided to conduct an experiment. We had a gay couple perform lion dance in one of the most conservative spots in Hong Kong. Our goal was to increase the public's awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community and to integrate them into our traditional values. We believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to express themselves and celebrate who they are.”

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Available from 23 August, the video also took inspiration from GGHK's new mascot Sunny (神奇小獅), who can “create miracles from the impossible” (化腐朽為神奇). The curation of the lion mascot was inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic Lion Rock, which symbolises the city’s spirit of resilience and determination, the ability to rise above difficulties and stand strong. The “Lion Rock spirit” reflects the collective will to preserve and maintain a sense of unity and purpose in the pursuit of a better future.

Sunny is a lion that aims to lead the games, blessing all with good fortune and success, inspiring Gay Games participants to never give up and strive together for greatness in the name of sports, friendship and inclusion.

“We have secured all of our venues and will engage some amazing performers to make this a truly memorable and inclusive event for all. We are especially pleased to introduce our official mascot, Sunny the Lion, who embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that we want to celebrate and share with the world. Sunny will be our guide and companion throughout the Games, inspiring us to create miracles from the impossible," said Lisa Lam, co-chair of GGHK.

In terms of sponsors and partners, Gay Games Hong Kong will partner with online travel platform Klook to offer general admission tickets to the nine-day-event and specific sports tournaments. Leveraging Klook's presence across regions, GGHK aims to attract more travellers across Asia to be a part of the games. 

GGHK also introduces the inaugural list of discount offers for participants, including Joint Dynamics, LANE EIGHT, The Nesbitt Centre, Taschen Hong Kong and Walk in Hong Kong. Furthermore, Community Business has also joined the GGHK partnerships as knowledge partner, delivering essential training for GGHK volunteers including workgroup collaboration, conflict management, and fundamentals of DEI and LGBTQ.

“As a global experience brand, we celebrate diversity and inclusion in our culture and values, and we are proud to support this landmark event that showcases the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong and Asia. We are committed to providing our users with the best travel and leisure experiences possible, and we are confident that the Gay Games will be one of them,” said Kenny Sham, general manager of Hong Kong & Macau at Klook.

New venues have also been secured, including Queen Elizabeth Stadium (QES) as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, gala concerts, as well as the martial arts and dodgeball sporting competitions. Other confirmed venues include MacPherson Stadium, Jockey Club HKCFA Football Training Centre, HKC Dragon Boat Association Training Centre, Sha Tin Rowing Centre, HKU Stanley Ho Sports Centre, Victoria Recreation Club, KGV School, Kowloon Junior School and SoHo House.

GGHK has confirmed AIA Vitality Park as the venue for the festival village with the support of The Entertainment Corporation, operator of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

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