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Asiasports Limited
builds Hong Kong's first International sized ice rink
Situated in the Beehive atrium of MegaBox next to a 30-meter glass window with full views of the harbour, the MegaBox ice rink will be Hong Kong's first venue to host Olympic qualifying games and international leagues. The facility will further advance Hong Kong's position as the host of world tournaments in ice sports, following the city's success in staging the Rugby Sevens.
Mr David Saunders, Chief Executive Officer of Asiasports Limited, said: "As a key player in promoting recreational ice skating and ice hockey in Hong Kong, we are committed to supporting Hong Kong's development of ice sports through the provision of a world-class training venue for young, up-and-coming athletes. We look forward to designating daily sessions for the training of Hong Kong's ice skaters when our MegaBox ice rink opens next year."
Hon Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, GBS, JP, President, Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, said: "We welcome this sponsorship initiative, which will help prepare our young athletes for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. They have achieved remarkable progress in recent years and scored well in many international games. The building of more venues will definitely help promote this sport among the people of Hong Kong."
In a demonstration performance today, Ms Han Yueshuang, Hong Kong's Olympic speed skating representative who has been dubbed the "star girl of ice", was joined by five-year-old Chan Sze Wai, Hong Kong's new Olympic hope in short track speed skating, and two young figure skaters Ono Tamami and Aoi Rie. A group of young players including Shan-La, Brad Lee, Kenneth Leung and Wesley Yau also staged a demonstration of the ice hockey game.
Ice skating and ice hockey are becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. Mr Saunders added: "The first ice hockey game was played in Hong Kong in 1984, and today there are over 500 men, women and children competing in our leagues. We also host Asia's largest international ice hockey tournament with 60 teams and 820 participants from 12 countries coming to Kuala Lumpur May 2-6. These events continue to grow, and we look forward to hosting Asia's first 100 team ice hockey tournament at the new rink in the spring of 2007 when we have our own international size venue."
With 1.1 million square feet of retail space, MegaBox will become the largest shopping and family-entertainment destination in East Kowloon, accommodating a unique and innovative tenant mix. The allocation of mega space for sports activities will be a key component in the wholesome experience to be provided by the mall.
About Asiasports About MegaBox Issued by: Through:
Hong Kong, April 26, 2006 - Asiasports limited, the leading ice skating and ice hockey promoter in Southeast Asia, today announced its engagement to act as the sole marketing agent for Rink Management Group Limited, which has recently signed up with MegaBox to operate its ice rink. At 26 metres by 57 metres, the rink will be the largest in Hong Kong, when it opens in the second quarter of 2007.
Asiasports Limited manages ice hockey leagues, tournaments and training for men, women and youth across Asia, including the World Ice Hockey 5's, Asia's largest ice hockey tournament. The company also exports protective equipment and carbon fiber ice hockey sticks from China. Asiasports is also the sole marketing agent for Rink Management Group Limited, the operator of the MegaBox ice rink.
MegaBox is Hong Kong's first 'TCM' Vertical Mega-Mall, a new retail and entertainment hot-spot destined to become a Hong Kong landmark. Ranging over 19 storeys across 1.1 million square feet of totally connected retail space, MegaBox is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2007. This retail project is wholly owned and developed by Kerry Properties Limited (HKEx: 683).
Asiasports Limited
David Saunders or Tom Barnes
tel: 2521 9919 / fax: 2521 9921
Veronica Park or Jenny Lee
t6.communications limited
tel: 2511 8388 / fax: 2511 8238
email: enquiry@t6pr.com