The Opening Ceremony of the Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games was held today (19 February 2017) in Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan.

The Opening Ceremony was divided into three parts. The first part is the Ceremony including the Parade by all participating countries/regions. Representing Hong Kong as a flag bearer, Mr. Tony LEUNG, Captain of Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Men’s Team marched in the Ceremony with the Bauhinia Flag that showcased the spirit of Hong Kong people, followed by the delegation led by Chef de Mission, Dr. T. Brian STEVENSON, SBS, JP and Deputy Chef de Mission, Mr. Karl C. KWOK, MH, Medical Team, Ice Hockey Men’s and Women’s Teams, and Short Track Speed Skating Team.

After the Parade, the President of the Asian Winter Games Organising Committee delivered a welcome speech and then the President of the Olympic Council of Asia declared the Opening of the 8^th Asian Winter Games.

The second part is for welcome performance and the OCA Games Flame was lighted. The last part is special live performance which brought the whole Ceremony to a climax.

The Ice Hockey Men’s Team of Hong Kong, China has made their first win against Singapore yesterday (18 February 2017), and the Short Track Speed Skating Team will compete in Men’s 1500m tomorrow (20 February 2017), while the Ice Hockey Men’s and Women’s Teams will compete against Chinese Taipei and Thailand respectively.

The Federation would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the supporting organizations and sponsors, including Home Affairs Bureau, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, FILA Marketing (Hong Kong) Limited, Hong Kong Express Airways Limited and Kee Wah Bakery Limited.