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The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
Following the celebration of the 10th anniversary of its "M" Mark System last year, the Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded the 100th "M" Mark status to the 2015-2016 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Hong Kong today (September 19) to mark a new milestone of the System. The Committee has also designed a logo symbolising the 100th "M" Mark event in commemoration.
The Cycling World Cup will be organised by the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China for the first time in Hong Kong. The event will be held at the Hong Kong Velodrome on January 16 and 17, 2016.
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr William Ko, presented a plaque of the 100th "M" Mark event to the organiser during the press conference of the 2015-2016 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Hong Kong held today.
Mr Ko said that like all other "M" Mark events, the 2015-2016 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Hong Kong will add colour and vibrancy to Hong Kong and help attract more visitors.
"The 10th anniversary of the 'M' Mark events was celebrated last year. Today, the 100th 'M' Mark status has been awarded to the 2015-2016 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Hong Kong. Not only has this demonstrated Hong Kong's capability to host world-class sports events, but it also enhances Hong Kong's position as the events capital of Asia. In addition to helping generate economic benefits for Hong Kong by attracting tourists, 'M' Mark events also instil a sustainable sporting culture in the community as well as help foster a sense of pride and social cohesion," he added.
The "M" Mark System was launched in 2004 to help local national sports associations (NSAs) organise more 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.
The number of recognised "M" Mark events increased from four in 2004 to 13 in 2014. So far, around $88 million has been approved to support recognised "M" Mark events.
For more information regarding "M" Mark events, "M" Mark applications for smartphone users are available for downloading from iTunes as well as Google Play.
Ends/Saturday, September 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:10
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