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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) will present the New York Rugby Sevens (NY7s) for the first time this year, adding excitement to the game in the Big Apple when the event is held at Randall's Island on November 28 (New York time).
At a press conference to announce the first partnership with the New York Rugby Club, the Director of HKETONY, Mr Steve Barclay, said that the Hong Kong Sevens has become an international mega sporting event, attracting a global contingent of rugby players and fans. The US rugby team has been participating in Hong Kong for decades.
"The global excitement is building ahead of the rugby sevens Olympics debut at the Rio 2016 Summer Games. My office is pleased to present the Premier and High School Divisions of the NY7s - the longest running sevens tournament in the US," Mr Barclay said.
"The teams will contest the championships on Hong Kong Field in Randalls Island specially named for the day after our home city," he added.
HKETONY is presenting four competitions, namely the Hong Kong Women's Premier Division, the Hong Kong Men's Premier Division, the Hong Kong High School Girls Division and the Hong Kong High School Boys Division. This marks the first tournament sponsorship of the high school divisions.
At the fan zone, HKETONY will present a colourful life-size illustration of the Hong Kong Sevens by Hong Kong-based illustrator Harry Harrison. Spectators and players can pose for photographs and share them on the office Facebook page "Hong Kong Meets America".
At Randall's Island on November 28, there will be more than 250 scheduled games across 10 divisions. A total of about 2,000 people comprising the players of over 140 teams, spectators and match officials are expected to take part.
Ends/Thursday, November 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:35
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