Hong Kong Gay Games postpones to 2023 due to travel restrictions

The Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 (GGHK) has been postponed to November 2023 due to the emergence of COVID-19 variants, and corresponding travel restrictions. The organisers stated that this is preventing participants from around the world from coming to Hong Kong.  In a statement, GGHK said the Games, originally held in November 2022, will be postponed to November 2023. The exact date for the event will be confirmed shortly after consultation with the Federation of Gay Games, the international governing body for the event, which has already endorsed the decision. 

Co-chair of GGHK Dennis Philipse said the progression of COVID-19 variants, and corresponding travel restrictions continue to make it challenging for participants from around the world to come to Hong Kong for the event. He said, "With many parts of the world, including many across Asia, still struggling to contain the virus and facing uneven access to vaccines, we felt that delaying the Games until November 2023 will enhance the likelihood of delivering our promise to have the Hong Kong Games serve as a beacon of hope for the wider community across the region.”

Meanwhile, some lawmakers, including Junius Ho and Priscilla Leung, objected to the hosting of Gay Games in Hong Kong before, saying the Games will divide society, promote same-sex marriage and waste the effort from the Olympic Games that unites society as the Gay Games will tear it apart. In response to these comments, Philipse said, “Recent attempts of a couple of lawmakers to politicise the Games have distracted the media from the true mission of the Games, an event open to all, focused on unity in diversity. Anti-inclusion objections from this small but vocal minority, however, have galvanised the resolve of our 300 volunteers, and brought out overwhelming support from the general public, business community, and other legislators."

However, some lawmakers showed support to the Games. For example, Regina Ip of New People's Party urged the government to offer appropriate assistance to the organiser so they can book sports venues smoothly. She added in GGHK's statement, "The importance of the Games to Hong Kong’s global image as a forward-looking, cosmopolitan city should not be underestimated. In addition, the 12,000 participants and 75,000 spectators that were expected in the original plans would bring in close to HK$1 billion to the local economy, providing a lifeline to the tourism and aviation sectors which have been so badly affected the last two years."

"I fully support postponing the Games to 2023, which will give the organisers more time and resources to focus on hosting a successful event, and encourage more multi-sports events to be hosted in our incredible city," she added.

Caspar Tsui, secretary for Home Affairs said in the Legislative Council in June that if the organiser of GGHK secures the support of local national sports associations in co-organising the relevant activities, it may reserve related sports facilities up to 12 months in advance under the current policy. Upon receipt of the applications from the organiser or the relevant national sports associations, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department can provide necessary assistance and process their applications in accordance with the current procedure.

Strengthen your omnichannel marketing capabilities today with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE's Omnichannel Marketing Asia on 23 November. Learn ways to build an evidence-based practice, up the ante on your strategies, and be head and shoulders above your competition. Click here to register today!

Related articles
Mr.Expan faces criticism from lawmaker for LGBTQ ad, defends its position