New World Harbour Race 2022, the annual sports extravaganza title sponsored by New World Development Company Limited ('New World Development') and organised by Hong Kong China Swimming Association (HKGSA), was successfully held in Victoria Harbour today.

1,203 swimmers started from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai and completed the 1-km distance swim across the harbour to the finish at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Race is the first large-scale outdoor public-engaged event sports event following the fifth wave of the epidemic. After the race, swimmers took photos sharing their joy and cheering along the Avenue of Stars echoing the theme of 'Empower Happy Waves for All'.

The gun-firing ceremony was officiated by Mr. Kevin Yeung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR, Hon. Kenneth Fok, Member of Legislative Council, and the Executive Directors of New World Development Mr. Eric Ma, Mr. Sitt Nam Hoi, and Ms. Jenny Chiu joined Mr. Ronnie Wong, President of HKGSA, marking the official opening of the New World Harbour Race at 7:05am in the morning.

This year's race was staged by way of a rolling-start of five groups. The spotlight was on the Racing Group of 100 swimmers that took to the water first. After a morning of intense competition, Kwok Chun Hei and Wong Ching Lam Athena clocked 14'25.6 and 15'11.4 respectively, triumphing in the Men's and the Women's Racing Group. Li Edmil Kong Fei, the young swimmer at his 15 was declared the champion in the New World Springboard Championship, with a time of 19'45.5.

HKGSA: Our gratitude to the Government Departments and Organisations; NWD: Pleased to Witness the Excitement Shared by the Public

'As a much regarded annual sports extravaganza, the New World Harbour Race provides swimmers with a unique opportunity to take a competitive dip in the Harbour. We would like to express our gratitude to the relevant government departments and organisations for their cooperation and to New World Development for their unremitting support, without which we would not be able to make the New World Harbour Race a success. Despite the challenges presented by the recent epidemic,' said President of HKGSA Mr Ronnie Wong. 'It is our wish that this unique Hong Kong-style race offers an opportunity for people all over the city to experience and enjoy the vitality of swimming, and for overseas swimmers to come and join, in helping further promote swimming culture in the local community.'

Mr Sitt Nam-Hoi, Executive Director of New World Development, said, 'It is inspiring to see this Race being be held successfully, for the second time, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. The smiling faces of swimmers has inspired the Hong Kong public, reflecting the theme of this year's race 'Empowering Happy Waves for All'. By co-hosting the Race with HKGSA, the Group hopes to not only support the local sports development, but also to promote a positive vibe and a healthy lifestyle in the Hong Kong society.'

Back from Retirement - Kevin Chu Becomes First-ever Race Ambassador to Join the Racing Group

This year's race also features Siobhan Haughey, double silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, and former member of Hong Kong Swimming Team Kevin Chu, as event ambassador. And it is the first time for that Kevin Chu has participated in swimming race since his retirement and was ready to make waves in the Racing Group. As the first-ever Event Ambassador joining the Racing Group, he achieved a time of 17'12.4.

Contact:

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Email: newworld@nwd.com.hk

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