1,812 Athletes to Participate in Time Trial for New World Harbour Race 2014 Enhancing the Event with Introduction of Safety Tow Floats and Reserve List
- Introducing safety tow floats for Leisure Group swimmers, with demonstration of the float by a 12-year-old swimmer
- Newly introduced reserve list to allow more swimmers to participate in New World Harbour Race
The annual New World Harbour Race 2014, title-sponsored by New World Development Company Limited (“New World Group”) and organised by the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (“HKASA”), will be held on 12 October 2014 (Sunday) at the Victoria Harbour. Over 3,200 applicants enrolled for the event this year, of which 1,812 athletes will participate in time trials to determine their eligibility. The time trials will be held at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, Tung Chung Swimming Pool and Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool over three days – 6 September (Saturday), 7 September (Sunday) and 14 September (Sunday).
New World Harbour Race has gained widespread public support since its debut four years ago, drawing enthusiastic swimmers from all walks of life. This year, 860 people signed up for the Racing Group and 2,387 people enrolled in the Leisure Group. Excluding applicants with relevant swimming records from the HKASA or those who have joined New World Harbour Race in previous years, all swimmers must partake in the time trial. Racing Group applicants may also choose to submit results from previous races or time trials and the top 100 swimmers of each age category will be eligible to compete. Leisure Group applicants must be able to swim 1,500 metres in 45 minutes to be qualified for the ballot.
The organiser has introduced a reserve list this year to optimise the quota and allow more eager swimmers to take part in this citywide event. Qualified participants who do not pick up their race kits before a specified date will automatically lose their eligibility. The organiser will then reallocate the quota to participants on the reserve list. The public drawing will be held on 22 September (Monday) and both the final entrant list and reserve list will be announced on 26 September (Friday).
David Chiu, Honorary Secretary of HKASA, remarked, “We are most grateful for the immense support everyone has given to New World Harbour Race. A total of 1,812 applicants will partake in the time trials this year, and in response to participants’ suggestions, we are offering more time trial locations for their convenience. We would like to remind all applicants to be aware of their own physical conditions and be well-trained for the Race so that they may enter the time trials in good shape. With swimmers’ safety being our foremost priority, we have introduced individual safety tow floats to the Leisure Group to help supervising lifeguards locate swimmers to enhance race safety.”
Maria Cheung, General Manager of Corporate Communication of New World Development Company Limited, said, “As the title sponsor and co-organiser of New World Harbour Race, New World Group is committed to developing budding swimmers. Two years ago, we launched New World Swimming Academy under the New World Springboard sustainable community programme. It is very encouraging that five programme participants of 12- or 13-year-old will take part in the time trials this year. Furthermore, a record number of nearly 80 staff swimmers have enrolled for the Race. We hope to further promote healthy living and swimming through this iconic event.”
New World Harbour Race will bring together elite local and overseas swimmers to compete at Victoria Harbour. The event will not only preserve a distinct Hong Kong tradition, but will also demonstrate the energy of this vibrant city. For more information, please visit www.hkharbourrace.com
About New World Development Company Limited
New World Development Company Limited
Founded in 1970, New World Development Company Limited ("New World Group", Stock Code: 17.HK) was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1972 and is a constituent stock of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index. A diversified holding company with a focus on property development, New World Group’s core business areas include property development, infrastructure and service, department store and hotel. As at 31 December 2013, the total asset value of the Group amounted to HK$354.7billion.
As at 31 December 2013, the Group has an effective interest of approximately 61.3% in NWS Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 659.HK), approximately 69.7% in New World China Land Limited (Stock Code: 917.HK) and approximately 72.3% in New World Department Store China Limited (Stock Code: 825.HK).
About the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association
Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (“HKASA”) was founded in early 1950 by the President, Mr. A. de O. Sales, and it took part for the first time in the Olympic Games in Helsinki 1952 with four swimmers. It was subsequently registered under the Societies Ordinance on 28th April 1960. It is a member of the Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA), Asian Swimming Federation (AASF) and Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF & OC).
It is the sole governing body of swimming sports in Hong Kong covering all swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming, open water swimming and masters competitions and activities here. In the past 60 years, the Association has been promoting and developing swimming sports, thus raising the standard of swimming, nurturing elite swimmers and providing training to athletes, officials, judges and coaches in Hong Kong through organising different competitions, training courses and relevant teaching activities.
The Association now has over 120 affiliated clubs with over 8,000 registered athletes, offering all properly accredited persons the opportunity to represent Hong Kong in a wide range of competitions and meetings here and abroad.