HKASA Announces List of Final Entrants for the New World Harbour Race 2011
1,000 Swimmers Aged 12-68 to Compete on 16 October
he Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) today released the list of swimmers who have qualified to compete in the New World Harbour Race 2011 to be held on 16 October. The oldest qualified swimmer is 68 years old while the youngest is 12.
Mr Ronnie Wong, Honourable Secretary of the HKASA, said, ‘Many people participated in the trials for the New World Harbour Race, and we are very encouraged by the overwhelming response. The trials were very competitive, and everyone swam exceptionally well. We evaluated and shortlisted the swimmers from 1,482 into 1,000 based on the times they achieved, and the ones who successfully qualified will compete in the New World Harbour Race 2011 on 16 October.'
'The New World Harbour Race 2011 has attracted both elite athletes and swimmers representing a wide spectrum of the community, which is a testament to the strength of the connection between the New World Harbour Race and the community of Hong Kong,' Mr Wong continued.
There are 548, 167, 216 (72 teams) and 69 (23 teams) final entrants respectively for the Men's Individual, Women's Individual, Men's Team and Women's Team categories. The final entry list for the New World Harbour Race 2011 was uploaded to the HKASA website (www.hkasa.org.hk) today at 6:00pm.
The final number of swimmers enrolled for the New World Harbour Race 2011 has far exceeded the initial quota of 1,000, leading the HKASA to evaluate swimmers with proven records and shortlist entrants based on times and positions achieved during the four water trials held on 17, 18, 24 and 25 September 2011. The fastest swimmer completed the 1500M water trial at 18:30"44 minutes.
The New World Harbour Race 2011 is a revival of the fondly remembered Cross Harbour Race, which was first launched in 1906. It grew into an iconic local sporting event and was held annually until 1978. The Race has been revived in part to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the HKASA and the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee.
The New World Harbour Race 2011 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. Public can enjoy the race and cheer for the swimmers at the public area of Quarry Bay Park.