Speech by CE at 2016 UBS Hong Kong Open prize presentation ceremony (English only) (with photos/video)
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Mr Dudok van Heel (the President of Hong Kong Golf Association, Mr Dudok van Heel), Mr Lam (the Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, Mr Kenneth Lam), Ms Lo (Head of Wealth Management, Greater China and Country Head of UBS Hong Kong, Ms Amy Lo), distinguished guests, government colleagues, golf lovers,
Good afternoon. It is not very often that I get the chance to be on the 18th green, or later at the 19th hole, so it gives me great pleasure to join you all here for the Prize Presentation Ceremony of the 2016 UBS Hong Kong Open. We are actually close neighbours because as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, I have the privilege of using the country house, known as the Fanling Lodge of the Hong Kong Government. So I'm actually in close proximity to the golf course, correction, the country house is actually inside the golf course with some interesting historical reasons. So over the past four years, I've picked up a few stray golf balls. So please come around to claim them if they belong to you.
The storied Hong Kong Golf Club – the tournament's host venue – opened in 1889, which makes it one of the world's oldest clubs. In earlier times, golf was more an expatriate's game here, but the sport has long been embraced by all people in Hong Kong.
And this tournament, 58 years old this year, continues to bring the game to the larger community. That includes outreach activities – coaching clinics for young children – and the Spectator Village off-course, where you enjoy live music, virtual reality simulation, and of course, take your boys and girls to see Santa.
This year, five Hong Kong golfers are among the 126 players – from over 40 countries and regions – to take part in the tournament. In attracting such world-class talent, the Hong Kong Open joins other prestigious sports events that take place here on a regular basis. Events accorded with premier "M" Mark status, and supported by the Hong Kong Government through the Mega Events Fund.
Working together, we are building Hong Kong's profile as the region's hub for sports and entertainment. In 2005, only four sports events were awarded "M" Mark status. This year, we have hosted 12. And I have no doubt that the number will continue to grow in the coming years.
My congratulations to all winners of the Hong Kong Open, and my thanks to all participating players, organisers and the sponsors – the Hong Kong Golf Association, Hong Kong Golf Club and UBS – for staging yet another world-class tournament.
Ladies and gentlemen, the 19th hole beckons. Enjoy it. There is no better place to celebrate than Hong Kong – Asia's world city. Thank you.
Ends/Sunday, December 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:34
Issued at HKT 18:34
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