Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Open this week celebrates its 10th consecutive year as a Major Sports Event.
Being awarded the prestigious ‘M-Mark’ status by Hong Kong’s Major Sports Events Committee for the 10th year in a row will enable the Hong Kong Open to enhance the promotion of the tournament, and encourage participation in the game of golf throughout the territory.
William Ko, Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee, said: “We are delighted that one of Hong Kong’s most sustainable events in our sporting calendar has been awarded M-Mark status for the 10th consecutive year.
“We are grateful for the continuous contribution of the Hong Kong Golf Association and the generous support of the Hong Kong Golf Club and the sponsors who make this such a spectacular event in Hong Kong.”
Ning Li, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association, said: “With the support of M-Mark we will take the Hong Kong Open to a much wider audience this year. Not only have we been able to secure the participation of defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez and Major winner Ernie Els, we are also creating a number of opportunities for the public in Hong Kong to experience this tournament through our community outreach programme.
“This comprises Golf in the City – an opportunity for the public to play a golf hole at Chater Gardens from October 13 to October 17 – plus a Mini Golf Zone during the tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling for children to come and try golf for the first time.
“Also, some of the Hong Kong Open stars will be hosting special events for school children during the week, including a clinic at the Tuen Mun Golf Centre on Wednesday afternoon and a skills challenge at Hong Kong Golf Club on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, the tournament has announced Friends of Asia Hong Kong as its Official Charity.
Friends of Asia Hong Kong’s mission is to inspire and support the public through the development of important programs, resources and events that promote physical (and spiritual) wellness.
Established in 2014, its goal is to engage people within the context of sports, health and recreation to raise funds and awareness for related needs within the community, as well as foster an environment rich in values like integrity, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Friends of Asia Hong Kong has designated the AoiPui School for Autistic Kids as the fund-raising beneficiary of the Hong Kong Open. The school will receive a donation of HK$100,000 from Friends of Asia Hong Kong – a figure which will be matched by the Hong Kong Golf Club.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with such a well-established, history-rich and respected event as the Hong Kong Open to launch the Friends of Asia’s charitable efforts in Hong Kong,”said Caleb Chan, Friends of Asia Hong Kong Chairman. “The fundamental belief upon which Friends of Asia is built centres around the spirit of giving and the importance of helping others.”
Chan was inspired to support the cause of autism by the work and dedication of Ernie Els who, through his Els for Autism Foundation, is committed to helping people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.