Sizzling temperatures did not prevent people from taking part in the annual Sport For All Day organised by the government.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) on Sunday opened most of its leisure facilities across 18 districts for free public use.

People needed to book in advance through the LCSD mobile app to use facilities like badminton, tennis and basketball courts, while most public swimming pools were open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

An elderly woman, surnamed Shum, went swimming at a pool in Wong Tai Sin at 6.45am.

She said the ongoing Olympics Games motivated her to exercise more.

“Especially for us seniors, a lack of exercise is not good for our health. Watching the Olympics makes us want to stretch our legs and arms a bit, which is beneficial for our health,” she said.

A mother, surnamed Hui, said there was not enough promotion. She said her son could have played basketball if she had learnt about the free facilities earlier.

“If there are more free sports facilities, then people can have better chances of participating; and promotion, especially online, can be enhanced,” she said.

Chief Executive John Lee, Secretary for Sports, Culture and Tourism Kevin Yeung and Acting LCSD Director Winnie Chui visited a sports carnival at a stadium in Tai Po in the afternoon.

The carnival featured booths promoting various sports like 3-on-3 basketball and Kabaddi, a fast-paced tag game from India.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Lee said he hoped the Sports For All Day would encourage people to support and participate in sport.

“If we exercise for 30 minutes every day, we will be happy, healthy and relaxed," he said.