Kenneth Fok has called for more sporting cooperation in the Greater Bay Area ©Getty Images

Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong vice-president Kenneth Fok has called for there to be more sporting opportunities for young people in the Greater Bay Area - including activities which involve young people from both Hong Kong and mainland China.

Fok, who is also the President of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, is additionally a vice-chairman of the All-China Youth Federation.

More than 70 million people live in the Greater Bay Area, which as well as Hong Kong and Macau includes Chinese cities Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

In comments reported by China's state-run news agency Xinhua, Fok advocated for closer cooperation in the region, including athletes from Hong Kong training at facilities in mainland China.

"The Greater Bay Area development is major opportunity for Hong Kong, offering a very good opportunity for the new generation of Hong Kong to participate in the growth of the mainland," Fok said.

"We can share the benefits of the Greater Bay Area development from seeking jobs, setting up their own businesses or joining cultural and sports exchanges."

Kenneth Fok has encouraged more sporting events in the Greater Bay Area such as marathons and cycling events ©Getty Images
Kenneth Fok has encouraged more sporting events in the Greater Bay Area such as marathons and cycling events ©Getty Images

Fok mentioned that the high cost of commuting between Hong Kong and mainland cities was an obstacle for young people and needed reform.

He also plans to organise more sports activities between the mainland and young people in Hong Kong, with the support of his wife, retired Olympic diving champion Guo Jingjing.

Guo won 10 world titles and six Olympic medals for China, including individual and synchronised 3-metre springboard golds at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Fok said that athletes should use the mainland and Macau to aid their development.

"We are young people of Hong Kong and, more importantly, of China," he added.

Fok's comments come following months of protests in Hong Kong over a controversial new extradition law - which critics say undermines Hong Kong autonomy - and further demonstrations sparked by subsequent legislation.

This includes a new national security law, accused of undermining the "one country, two systems" framework for Hong Kong's governance and giving China undue influence in the special administrative region.