By Beatrice Tsang,Rachael Kininmonth

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As the world awaits the selection of the host for the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Greater Bay Area development zone stands at a crossroads. More than a celebration of elite athleticism, bidding for and hosting the games offers transformational benefits that could elevate the region socially, culturally and economically for generations.
From fostering community integration and inspiring youth to championing health initiatives and instilling regional pride, the Olympics present a rare and powerful opportunity for Hong Kong and other cities covered by the bay area scheme to redefine their future on the global stage. It is a moment of promise too important to ignore.
The bay area plan encompasses Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other cities known for economic dynamism and innovation. Hosting the Olympics could unify these distinct communities in ways that transcend infrastructure and commerce.
One of the most captivating legacies of the Olympics is the enhancement of social cohesion. By building on existing and future investments in transport, transit hubs and digital infrastructure, the games could help dismantle physical and cultural barriers across the region.
Residents from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Macau could move between cities more freely, collaborate more often and feel a greater sense of connection. Co-hosting the Olympics would not only display the region’s advanced infrastructure but also reshape the way people engage with one another as neighbours, teammates and fellow hosts.

Moreover, sports have the unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds. An Olympic bid would catalyse cross-boundary integration through which athletes and teams from various cities can train, compete and grow together.
Regional leagues, shared training facilities and joint initiatives would elevate athletic standards while building networks of trust and camaraderie. Community-level programmes would nurture talent and deepen collaboration between cities. Each competition would become a symbol of unity, a fitting reflection of the Greater Bay Area’s potential as a project defined by cohesion and diversity.
Perhaps the most enduring impact of hosting the Olympics lies in its power to inspire. Local children would no longer see their sporting heroes on screens showing distant locales but potentially in person – on their streets, in their communities and in their home stadiums.
The dream of competing in the Olympics as the home team would ignite a feeling of hope among the region’s youth. Schools, families and communities would rally behind these dreams, fostering a generation of passionate achievers. Bidding for the Olympics is a tangible investment in their aspirations and a brighter future.

The Olympics also offer a springboard to promote healthier lifestyles. Through investment in grass roots sports, community facilities and inclusive health initiatives, every resident, regardless of age or background, can benefit.
From children developing lifelong healthy habits to older adults finding joy in active ageing, the ripple effects of Olympics-related health programmes will be profound. This is more than a pursuit of medals; it is a commitment to the well-being of our people.
The pride generated by co-hosting the Olympics cannot be overstated. It is a moment of global recognition, showcasing the Greater Bay Area for the innovative, resilient and unifying project that it is.
From an unforgettable opening ceremony to stories of local heroes and regional collaboration, the games would reflect the bay area plan’s unique strengths to the world. Residents would share a deepened sense of identity, knowing they played a role in one of humanity’s most celebrated global events. This shared purpose would strengthen civic pride and leave a lasting legacy of collective achievement.

With a population exceeding 86 million and unmatched economic momentum, the combined jurisdictions of the bay area plan have the capacity and vision to co-host a spellbinding Olympics. But beyond logistical capability lies a more profound reason to bid: the social change the Olympics can deliver, from stronger community ties and the chance to inspire young people to the promotion of fitness.
However, this future will not happen without bold action. Hong Kong and other cities within the development zone must move decisively, not merely with ambition but with collective resolve. Governments, businesses, educators and citizens alike must rally behind a shared vision, understanding that this is not just about hosting a sporting event. It is about investing in a legacy of unity, strength and global leadership.
The Olympic flame has long symbolised hope and possibility. With a bid for the 2036 games, the Greater Bay Area can let that flame burn brightly, illuminating dreams, strengthening communities and building a healthier, happier society. It is time for Hong Kong and other cities within the development zone to take their place on the world stage and light the flame on the path forward. Let the bid begin.