Talk of the town : Hong Kong's cancelled sports events due to the pandemic
【明報專訊】The government has started to revise the existing pandemic restrictions. However, the restrictions mean that some local and international sports organisations have no choice but to call off their events in Hong Kong.
(See the picture 1)
Besides, Hong Kong Marathon 2022 has been postponed due to the current public health policy. The event was cancelled at one point as the organisation did not hear back from the government about whether the marathon would be approved. After further discussions, the organisation decided to reschedule the event for February 2023.
Importance of sport events in Hong Kong
Sports events held in Hong Kong can attract more tourists and promote the economic growth of Hong Kong, as well as enhancing the international status of Hong Kong. Due to the pandemic and the restrictions, some organisations have chosen to move to other cities or countries for organizing the international sport events. For instance, the World Dragon Boat Championships 2023 have been decided to move to Thailand.
Although some sports events have been called off, some sports events will be held as scheduled, such as the friendly football match between Hong Kong and Myanmar, Hong Kong Sevens (Rugby), Hong Kong Masters (Snooker), Cross Harbour Race (Swimming). Show your support to Hong Kong sports!
■Grammar booster
Have no choice but to
You cannot avoid doing it.
e.g. The government has no choice but to strength pandemic restrictions in view of surging confirmed infections in Hong Kong.
■Gear up
Hong Kong Sevens is one of the cancelled sports events in Hong Kong. (True / False)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
revise (v) 修訂
call off (phr v) 停辦
quarantine (n) 隔離
postpone(v) 推遲
■Game
Design your dragon boat!
(See the picture 2)
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第353期]
