URA & GDCD Association Co-organise Inclusive Sports & CNY Festive Event “Yue Man Hops” to Foster Community Ties and Vibrancy of Kwun Tong Town Centre
The GDCD Association and the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) are hosting “Yue Man Hops” (the Event), an event that combines inclusive sports experiences with a Chinese New Year (CNY) market. Taking place from 7 to 8 February 2026 (Saturday to Sunday) at the Free Space and Triangular Piazza in YM², Kwun Tong, the Event aims to enhance public awareness of para-sports and convey the athletes’ perseverance and indomitable spirit. It also seeks to encourage multi-party collaboration among district stakeholders to boost the vibrancy of the Kwun Tong Town Centre while fostering a thriving local business environment.
The kick-off ceremony for the Event, held today (7 February 2026), was officiated by Mr David Lam, Under Secretary for Development; the Hon Vincent Cheng, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the GDCD Association and Legislative Council member; Mr Wilfred Au, Executive Director (Commercial) of the URA; Legislative Council members the Hon Cheung Pui-kong and the Hon Tang Ka-piu; Mr Denny Ho, District Officer (Kwun Tong); Mr Huen Wong, Chairman of The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Charitable Foundation; Dr Ngan Man-yu, President of the Ngau Tau Kok Kaifong Welfare Association; Ms Elaine Wu, Executive Director of the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee; and Ms Alice Chau, Chief Health Inspector (Kwun Tong). Other distinguish guests included Kwun Tong District Councillors, members of the URA Kwun Tong District Advisory Committee, and Paralympic and National Paralympic Games medal-winning athletes and coaches.
In his opening address, Mr David Lam, Under Secretary for Development, commended the Event’s significance in promoting positive energy around inclusivity for all. He celebrated the resilience of Hong Kong para-athletes as an inspiration for all and underscored the importance of a society that embraces individuals of all abilities. He also stressed the importance of prioritising accessibility in urban design, particularly for the elderly and disabled, noting that redevelopment presents an opportunity to enhance accessibility and improve the overall livability of the city.
The Hon Vincent Cheng, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the GDCD Association, stated that this marks the sixth event in its “Sport for All” series. He expressed his gratitude to the URA, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Charitable Foundation, and the Kwun Tong District Office for their support, which made it possible for the series to tour Kwun Tong for the first time. This initiative aims to foster interaction between medal-winning para-athletes and the public, promoting a spirit of inclusivity throughout society. The Event features elements of a festive market and performances to celebrate the CNY, creatively blending sports, culture, and local economic activity to convey warm wishes to the community.
Mr Wilfred Au, Executive Director (Commercial) of the URA highlighted in his remarks the role of the URA’s Kwun Tong Town Centre 2.0 project (KTTC 2.0 / Project) as a future landmark in Kwun Tong and the Central Business District on the Eastern side of Hong Kong. He emphasised that the Project would play a key role in driving the development of the Victoria Cove Area, helping to create an eastern gateway for Hong Kong. Before construction commences, the URA has transformed the Project site into Free Space for hosting a variety of events.
“This Event, co-organised with the GDCD Association, exemplifies the ‘3B’ system initiated by the URA,” he stated. “This involves utilising the improved ‘Built environment’ of the Free Space to host activities, fostering ‘local Bonding’ by engaging district organisations and local schools to strengthen community connections, and boosting the ‘Business environment’ by inviting distinctive neighbourhood shops to set up stalls.”
Paralympic Games gold medalist Mr Leung Yuk-wing reminisced the old Yue Man Square, describing it as a place with Hong Kong character, local delicacies and a vibrant yet harmonious community atmosphere. Paralympic silver medalist Ms Cheung Yuen expressed her delight in visiting the redeveloped YM² during the Event and her hope of promoting inclusivity across various districts by engaging with citizens.
Cash Coupon Redemption Aims to Drive Footfall and Business to Yue Man Hawker Bazaar
The two-day event is free and open to the public. One of the key highlights is the GDCD Association’s Sport for All campaign (the Campaign). Launched in April 2025, the Campaign is making its debut in Kwun Tong District. Its aims to bring Paralympic and National Paralympic Games medalists into the community to enhance public understanding of para sports and promote physical and mental well-being through hands-on experiences. The athletes also shared their personal stories, conveying their perseverance and the positive message of inclusivity that “sports have no boundaries”.
Coinciding with the upcoming CNY, the Event features an intimate festive market and an exclusive photo spot with Galloping Horse lanterns, adding holiday cheer to the Kwun Tong Town Centre while supporting neighbouring boutique stores, local design brands, non-profit organisations and ethnic minority groups. Visitors can also participate in para-sports experience booths, or join a lantern riddle game to win a limited-edition souvenir or a HKD10 cash voucher (available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last). These vouchers were redeemable at about 50 stalls in the Yue Man Hawker Bazaar during the Event period, aiming to boost foot traffic and business for the bazaar.
The Event also features various performance groups, including schools and organisations from Kwun Tong District, who present wonderful songs and splendid performances. It also provides a performance platform for young people to showcase their talents.
In addition, the public can also join CNY Workshops at discounted prices to make festive decorations for their homes. A calligraphy master from the Kwun Tong Resident Association will also offer free, on-the-spot creation of “fai chun” with personalised messages based on visitors’ requests, for them to take home as blessings.
(ENDS)