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5th Hong Kong Games' Vitality Run to open for enrolment (with photos)
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     The 5th Hong Kong Games (HKG) will hold a Vitality Run for the first time on March 8 this year for community participation. Enrolment will begin on January 15 (Thursday). Members of the public are encouraged to join and exercise more with an aim of promoting the HKG for all citizens.

     The Chairman of the 5th HKG Organising Committee, Mr William Tong, said in a press conference today (January 12) that the Vitality Run, to be staged along the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, is a new element for the Games this year. All Hong Kong people are invited to join the event with their families and friends as part of the HKG and to share the fun of running.

     Mr Tong said that this community involvement activity has received full support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which will be the title sponsor of the Vitality Run.

     Introducing the activity details in the press conference, the Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Mr Richard Wong, pointed out that the Vitality Run emphasises challenging oneself rather than racing for awards. Participants can therefore enjoy the fun of running while at the same time show support to local athletes diligently preparing for the 5th HKG competitions.

     The Vitality Run is scheduled for the morning of March 8 (Sunday) beside the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin. It comprises two categories, namely a 3-kilometre route and an 8km route, with a total enrolment quota of 3,800. Each participant will get a souvenir T-shirt and a gift pack. Those who complete the run within the time limit will also receive a certificate and a souvenir medal. Participants can also compete for champion, first runner-up and second runner-up of the Most Creative Costume Prize, as well as the Overall Best Team Costume Prize.

     The 3km run will start at 8.45am. The route will begin at Sha Tin Sports Ground and pass along the traffic lane towards Yuen Wo Road (southbound), through Sha Tin Rural Committee Road (Sand Martin Bridge eastbound), Tai Chung Kiu Road (northbound), Fo Tan Road (Banyan Bridge westbound) and Yuen Wo Road (southbound) and finish at Sha Tin Sports Ground.

     The 8km run will commence at 8.30am. The course will also start at Sha Tin Sports Ground and pass along the traffic lane towards Yuen Wo Road (southbound). After arriving at Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre, participants will switch to the jogging and cycling tracks towards the Shing Mun Riverside via the Hong Kong Sports Institute campus and sports ground, then turn around before Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works (without entering the Hong Kong Sports Institute) and finish at Sha Tin Sports Ground.

     Enrolment will start at 8.30am on January 15 on a first-come, first-served basis through the following methods:

1. in person at any District Leisure Services Office or any leisure venue with Leisure Link Services of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD); or
2. online via Leisure Link Internet Booking; or
3. by mail.

     The prospectus and enrolment form are available through the following channels:

1. the dedicated website of the 5th HKG at www.hongkonggames.hk;
2. LCSD District Leisure Services Offices and leisure venues with Leisure Link Services; and
3. LCSD sports grounds.

     Members of the public are welcome to cheer for the participants along the route on the event day. A carnival with stage performances, game booths, a family area, a photo corner and more will also be held at Sha Tin Sports Ground and the nearby Yuen Wo Playground on the day so as to let the runners and cheering crowds share the fun of sports and embrace the city's upcoming major sport event, the 5th HKG.

     The HKG is a territory-wide major multi-sport event held biennially with the 18 District Councils (DCs) as participating units. It will cover eight sports, namely athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. The 5th HKG will be held from April 25 to May 31. Athletes are now being selected to represent each district to join the competitions.

     There will also be other community involvement activities organised for participation by the general public. The upcoming activities are: the 18 Districts' Pledging Ceremony, the Cheering Team Competition for the 18 Districts, Voting for "My Favourite Sporty District", Guessing the "Overall Champion of the 5th HKG" and the Dynamic Moments Photo Contest, as well as the Grand Opening and Closing cum Prize Presentation Ceremony for the 5th HKG.
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     Details about the HKG and other community involvement activities are available at the 5th HKG dedicated website (www.hongkonggames.hk).

     The Executive Adviser of the 5th HKG Organising Committee, Mr Chau How-chen; the Head of Charities Projects of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Rhoda Chan; and the Senior Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, Dr Simon Yeung, also attended the press conference today.

     The 5th HKG is organised by the Sports Commission and co-ordinated by the Community Sports Committee, with the 18 DCs; the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; relevant National Sports Associations; and the LCSD as co-organisers. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is recognised as the Principal Contributor.

Ends/Monday, January 12, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:53

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