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The Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jonathan McKinley, today (July 3) attended a press conference on the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2014.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr McKinley congratulated the Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKTA) on bringing top level women's tennis back to Hong Kong. He added that the Government would continue to support "national sports associations" such as the HKTA in organising major international sports events.
On behalf of the Home Affairs Bureau, Mr McKinley thanked Prudential for their vote of confidence in Hong Kong sport, adding that he shared their confidence that this event would not only be one of the city's "must see" occasions, but would also have a wider impact on the development of tennis and sport as a whole in Hong Kong.
In recognition of the event's significance in highlighting Hong Kong as a venue for international sports events, the Sports Commission has awarded "M" Mark status to the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2014.
The tournament, a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour event, will be held from September 8 to 14 at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre. Players from all over the world will compete for prize money of US$250,000.
Other guests at today's event included the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tennis Open Steering Committee and Honorary Secretary of the Hong Kong Tennis Association, Mr Michael Cheng; the Chairman of Major Sports Events Committee, Mr William Ko; the Chairman of Prudential, Mr Tony Wilkey; and the Managing Director, Asia Pacific of the WTA, Mr Peter Johnston.
Ends/Thursday, July 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:37
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