To advocate a healthy old age has always been the sole message of our Athletic Gala for the Elderly that takes place in November every year. In 2003, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Housing Society, the same message was advocated through the First Athletic Gala for the Pearl River Delta Elderly to further promote it in China.

Over 300 elderly athletes and cheering members from Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong joined the Gala. Competitions on Race Walking, Running, 4x100m Rely Race Walking (team), Javelin Throwing, Soft Ball, Lead Shot, Tai Chi and Cheerleaders performance were included. The ages of all participating athletes ranged from 60 to the oldest one 80. All athletes were energetic and perfectly demonstrated the essence of 'productive aging'.

Representatives from the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau, Elderly Commission, the Housing Society, Elderly Committee of Guangdong Province, Macau Elderly Sports Association (U.G. Ass. Movedores Macau) and some elder television celebrities were invited to officiate in the kick off ceremony.

The Chief Executive of HKCS, Mr Ng Shui Lai, stated that for the last 18 years, HKCS had been promoting the importance for elders to maintain a lifestyle of regular exercise. It was a worthy cause for HKCS to initiate such an event for the Pearl River Delta elders for it would help cultivate an effective communication among the elderly in Pearl River Delta and that the message of keeping up 'a healthy old age' would then be encouraged in the Mainland.

The joint effort of the three places, Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong, had made the event most successful. The other co-organizers that had contributed to the success of the event included: Leisure & Cultural Service Department, Elderly Commission, Elderly Work Fund and Macau Elderly Sports Association (U.G. Ass. Movadores. Macau).