Local AniCom Characters Playing Sports Debuted at Wan Chai Temporary Promenade To Promote Hong Kong AniCom Culture and Cheer for Hong Kong Athletes Participating in 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Hong Kong, 8 July 2024

To promote Hong Kong’s animation and comics (“AniCom”) culture to the public and tourists, the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation (“HKCAF”), with the support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (“CCIDA”) as the Lead Sponsor, sets up the “AniCom Sports Park” (the “Park”) at the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. The Park showcases 36 Hong Kong original AniCom characters created in different periods, and presents the unique styles of Hong Kong comic artists. It aims to promote Hong Kong’s AniCom culture to both local residents and tourists, adding a tourist attraction to Hong Kong. Additionally, in line with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 15th National Games in 2025 (“the Games”), sports elements are incorporated into the designs of the AniCom characters showcased in the Park, paying tribute to Hong Kong’s athletes who have been striving for breakthrough, while. wishing them to shine on the international and national arenas.

The grand opening of the Park was held today at the Central and Western District Promenade. The HKCAF was honoured to have Mr. Raistlin LAU Chun, JP, the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as the Guest-of-Honour to deliver a speech. Mr. LAU led Mr. Joe WONG Chi-cho, JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Vincent LIU Ming-kwong, JP, Director of Leisure & Cultural Services, Mr. Victor TSANG Chiu-hok, JP, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr. Sam WONG Tak-sum, MH, Commissioner for Sport and was joined by Dr. Tony WONG, Chairman of the HKCAF, Mr. Kenneth FOK Kai-kong, JP, Legislative Council Member, Mr. MA Wing-shing, renowned Hong Kong comics artist, Dr. PANG Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr. Ivan HO Man-yiu, Chairman of the Harbourfront Commission, and Mr. Alan WAN Siu-lun, Vice President of the HKCAF to officiate at the opening ceremony. On the same occasion, local comics artists presented their drawings dedicated to Hong Kong’s sports community, represented by Mr. WONG Kam-po, SBS, MH, and Ms. NGAI Wai-yan in the ceremony, wishing Hong Kong athletes to attain good results in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mr. Raistlin LAU Chun, JP, the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR expressed gratitude to the HKCAF for their effort in setting up the Park. The project combining AniCom culture, sports and tourism further strengthens the synergy of cultural, sports and tourism industries and highlights “Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong”.

Dr. Tony WONG, Chairman of the HKCAF said at the opening ceremony, “The Park showcases the rich heritage of Hong Kong’s AniCom, featuring renowned ani-com characters as well as creations from emerging comics talent. It also shows to the world the uniqueness and creativity of Hong Kong’s AniCom culture from different eras. Located by the waterfront from Wan Chai to Admiralty, the Park enables the visitors to explore the achievements of Hong Kong comics artists and athletes, while being greeted by the AniCom characters in various sports styles to enjoy the beautiful view of our Victoria Harbour We hope that the Park will become an additional tourist attraction in Hong Kong for local residents and tourists.”

Hong Kong’s AniCom and sports sectors have brought forth many outstanding talent over the years, who possess the common traits of focus, perseverance and determination in their profession. They are fully devoted and committed to achieving their dreams, bringing honour to Hong Kong on both local and international stages. The “Star of AniCom” and the “Star of Sports” in the logo of the “AniCom Sports Park” symbolise two shining stars appealing to Hong Kong people from the sky to flare with their perseverance and indomitable spirit, making the “Pearl of the Orient” shine even brighter.

The Park is open to the public for free, allowing visitors to take pictures with the Hong Kong AniCom characters. In addition, the Park features an AR (augmented reality) interactive platform, enabling the visitors to experience the diverse world of the Hong Kong AniCom characters through on-site displays in the Park or its official website. For more details about the Park, please visit the website at http://www.acspark.hk.

36 Hong Kong AniCom characters playing sports are set up in the AniCom Sports Park, are listed as below (in no particular order):