Remarks by SCST at media session (with video)
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Reporter: Could the CSTB (Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau) explain exactly what went wrong with the arrangements last night that the audience members could not stay later? As you mentioned earlier that this was predicted, that this issue could happen beforehand, so why wasn't any arrangement or any other measure made to ensure that audience members won't be kicked out? Because there are going to be other large-scale events happening at Kai Tak Sports Park, are you going to review arrangements to ensure that this issue won't happen again? Are you going to try to ask Kai Tak Sports Park or these organisers to pay attention to these arrangements?
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Last night, the match in Kai Tak Arena, the snooker match, was really amazing and excellent. And all the players tried their best to win the games. That's why it took a little bit longer than expected for the second match to start in the evening. And eventually, the match went through till midnight. Because of the concern that there might not be sufficient public transport, especially the MTR, for spectators to go home, the organisers announced at 11.15pm in the evening that the spectators would be invited to leave the (Kai Tak Sports) Park, leave the Arena (Kai Tak Arena), after the current game is completed. That was the situation. And of course, because the involved spectators would not be that many, we were talking about 100 staying at 11.15pm. And then at 11.45pm, only a few, 30 or 40, spectators were staying behind. And in the end, about 10 or 20 were not content with the arrangement, and they had some arguments with the organisers.
I think this situation is obviously not ideal, and we definitely need to take into account the experience seriously and identify remedial measures. For all I know, the organisers have already issued two press statements expressing their apologies to the spectators concerned and to everyone concerned. They have also arranged remedial actions.
First of all, the ticket holders for the match at 7.30pm last night would be entitled to exchange tickets for additional viewing today or tomorrow, subject to ticket availability. Second of all, the organisers have also promised that starting from tonight, all spectators would be allowed to view the entire series of matches until the last game is done. So there will be no more question of spectators having to leave before the game ends.
Thirdly, in Hong Kong, we have an excellent public transport system. So even in the small hours of the day, we still have overnight buses and other public transport that spectators might use for going to their destinations. And if necessary, the organisers would also be arranging additional, supplementary transport for spectators leaving behind.
So I think this is a good measure to give confidence to viewers. If they would like to stay behind for late matches tonight, they would not have anything to worry about in terms of transport arrangements. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Ends/Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:05
Issued at HKT 16:05
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Audio / Video
SCST to meet media