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To mark the 10th anniversary of the "M" Mark System, the Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) organised the Hong Kong "M" Mark Sports Event Awards, and the awards presentation ceremony was held today (March 19) to recognise the achievements of national sports associations (NSA) and event sponsors in bringing major international sports events to Hong Kong.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, said today at the ceremony that the number of "M" Mark events had grown from four in 2005 to 13 last year and the sports culture being instilled in the community should be applauded.
Mrs Lam added that many "M" Mark events have become signature events, attracting tens of thousands of participants and spectators locally and from around the world, bringing tangible benefits to the community. She said she is pleased that "M" Mark events promote not only elite sports, but also community sports, fuelling participation in and appreciation of sports of all kinds.
Twelve NSAs and their respective sponsors, who successfully staged the "M" Mark events in 2014, were nominated for six awards, namely the Most Outstanding "M" Mark Event of the Year, Outstanding Marketing Award, Outstanding Sponsoring Partner Award, Outstanding Community Programme Award, Outstanding Event Entertainment Award, and the Outstanding Progress Award.
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors and sports associations who organised the "M" Mark events during these years.
Mr Tsang said that Hong Kong's sporting calendar last year would not have been so fascinating and rewarding without the invaluable support of the sports associations, organisers and sponsors.
The judging panel for the awards comprised representatives of the sports sector and related industry experts. They visited and assessed all the events on the 2014 nomination list before selecting the winners.
The award winners are as follows:
* Most Outstanding "M" Mark Event of the Year:
Watsons' FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix – Hong Kong 2014 presented by Watsons
* Outstanding Marketing Award:
Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2014
* Outstanding Sponsoring Partner Award:
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2014
* Outstanding Community Programme Award:
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2014
* Outstanding Event Entertainment Award:
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2014
* Outstanding Progress Award:
New World Harbour Race 2014
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr William Ko, said at the presentation ceremony that the "M" Mark has reached a milestone in its development although it continues to gather momentum. The awards presented at the ceremony not only mark the 10th anniversary, but also symbolise the start of another 10 promising years and many more to come, he said.
The "M" Mark System has been in operation since 2004 to help local national sports associations organise major sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be granted "M" Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some of the event organisers. So far, around $85 million has been approved to support recognised "M" Mark events.
Around 200 guests attended the presentation ceremony today. Also invited to present awards to the winners were the Chairman of the Elite Sports Committee, Mr Tony Yue; the Chairman of the Community Sports Committee, Mr William Tong; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Betty Fung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, and local elite athletes.
In addition, appreciation awards and certificates were presented to nominated "M" Mark events sponsors and supporting groups as a token of recognition.
Ends/Thursday, March 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
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