Cross Harbour Race Returns to Hong Kong on 16 October 2011
Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association partners with New World Group to revive a Hong Kong heritage sporting event
The Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) and New World Group are pleased to announce the return of Hong Kong's iconic and fondly remembered sporting event, the Cross Harbour Race. Set to take place on Sunday, 16 October 2011, the "New World Cross Harbour Race 2011" (Race) will be the first time the competition has been held since 1978.
The Cross Harbour Race was first held in 1906. For over 70 years, the Cross Harbour Race served as one of Hong Kong's most celebrated events, attracting hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators. The event also attracted significant media attention locally and internationally with vibrant photos of athletes diving into Victoria Harbour against the picturesque backdrops of Hong Kong's mountain and skyscraper views.
Hosting today's announcement event were Mr Arthur Kwan, Vice President of the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association and Mr Adrian Cheng, Executive Director of New World Development Company Limited. Joining the announcement were The Hon Timothy Fok, GBS, JP, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong; Mr Roger Tupper, JP, Director of Marine; and Mrs Betty Fung, JP, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services.
Mr Arthur Kwan, HKASA's Vice President, said, "With the support of our title sponsor New World Group, the HKASA is proud to announce the return of the Cross Harbour Race in 2011. It is the first time in 33 years that this historic event will be held and we are confident that over time the New World Cross Harbour Race will grow in scale to once again become an iconic event for Hong Kong that attracts local as well as international swimmers."
"Reviving the Cross Harbour Race is an ideal way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the HKASA and that of the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee," Mr Kwan added."We believe that the return of the Cross Harbour Race will revive an important collective memory of the Hong Kong community and help promote swimming as a sport for everyone."
Mr Adrian Cheng, Executive Director of New World Development Company Limited, said, "New World Group, with its deep roots in Hong Kong, appreciates the spirit of the city which thrives through vitality, diversity and resilience. These are the same qualities which are the driving force behind New World Group. New World Group also sees great potential in once again promoting the picturesque Victoria Harbour, the jewel of the city, internationally through the Cross Harbour Race. We are very honoured to be associated with and supporting the return of this iconic event which is fondly remembered by many throughout the community."
In the first year of the return of the Race, participation will be capped at 1,000 participants, split across Men's and Women's individual, men's team and women's team race categories.The men's individual and women's individual race categories will each have a quota of 200 swimmers. The Team race category will have a quota of 200 teams of 3 swimmers.
The Race will be held on Sunday, 16 October 2011, starting at 9:00am. The course stretches approximately 1.8km from Sam Ka Tsuen Typhoon Shelter in Lei Yue Mun to Quarry Bay Park. It is estimated that the Race will take no longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. Prior to the Race, all swimmers must be certified to meet HKASA's race entry requirements. A water test will be required for swimmers without a track record competing in similar distances.
As title sponsor of the Race, New World Group is offering awards to the top five performers in all categories.To lend support to the development and grooming of talented young swimmers, K11, a subsidiary of New World Group, is offering K11 Cross Harbour Race Young Swimmers Cup to the top five swimmers aged between 12 and 16.
Registration for the Race will be open beginning today, 22 August 2011. Entry forms can be downloaded from the HKASA website: www.hkasa.org.hk.