Core Viewpoint - The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th Special Olympics will commence on December 9, featuring a record number of participants and events [1] Group 1: Event Overview - The event includes 46 major categories and 1,876 subcategories, with 11 major and 131 subcategories for mass sports, 9 major and 599 subcategories for Special Olympics, 20 summer major categories, and 6 winter major categories [1] - A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations have registered, marking a new high in both delegation size and the number of athletes participating in mass sports [1] Group 2: Participation and Scale - During the concentrated competition period from December 8 to 15, there will be 5,398 athletes, 2,746 referees, 115 classifiers, and 2,772 coaches and staff involved, bringing the total scale to over 11,000 participants, an increase of approximately 30% compared to the previous event [1] - The Guangdong region will host 34 major categories, while Hong Kong will host 4 major categories and the TT11 level table tennis competition, and Macau will host 2 major categories [1] Group 3: Sports Categories - The mass sports events include table tennis, badminton, darts, chess, Go, jump rope, wheelchair dance, dry land curling, football, and basketball [1] - The Special Olympics will integrate sports competitions with non-sporting events, expanding participation pathways for individuals with intellectual disabilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - The 15th National Games, held in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, emphasizes the theme of "shared sports" and aims to promote widespread participation in fitness activities among the public, marking a significant milestone in the development of mass sports in China [1][6]. Group 1: Event Overview - The 15th National Games will feature 23 major events and 166 sub-events, with approximately 11,000 athletes expected to participate in the finals [1]. - The event has seen over a million participants in preliminary competitions and activities, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere of community engagement in sports [1]. Group 2: Community Engagement - The integration of local cultural elements into sports events, such as the "orienteering" competition in Maoming, highlights the connection between sports and regional culture, enhancing community involvement [2]. - The introduction of joint teams from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau in the dragon boat races exemplifies the deepening collaboration in community sports among these regions [2]. Group 3: Inclusivity and Accessibility - The National Games have expanded from 19 to 23 major community events since the 13th edition, allowing more ordinary sports enthusiasts to compete for medals [4]. - The establishment of youth categories in major ball sports aims to foster talent development and encourage broader participation in sports among younger generations [5]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Facilities - Post-event, sports venues will be opened to the public, ensuring that the facilities serve the community's fitness needs and promote long-term engagement in sports [6]. - Innovations in venue design, such as the transformation of the Tianhe Sports Center into a year-round fitness space, reflect a commitment to enhancing public access to sports facilities [6]. Group 5: Cultural Significance - The opening and closing ceremonies will showcase traditional sports elements, emphasizing the beauty and spirit of community sports, and reinforcing the message of "shared sports" [7]. - The ongoing legacy of the National Games since 1959 serves as a testament to the promotion of fitness and health among the Chinese population [7]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The "15th National Games+" initiative is expected to spark a new wave of enthusiasm for community sports across the nation [8].