A countdown event, a series of hiking activities, a family walk and a district carnival will be held in the coming days as part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

​     To celebrate the HKSAR's 20th anniversary and commence the countdown to the maiden arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race in Hong Kong, a fun-filled countdown party will be held on October 22 (Sunday) from 2pm to 3pm at Ocean Terminal in Harbour City. The 13th edition of the prestigious triennial race will start in Alicante, Spain, on the same date and the yachts are scheduled to arrive in Victoria Harbour in January.

​     Aside from being a host city of the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time, Hong Kong will also see its first ever entry in the event. The Hong Kong race team, Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, will compete against six other international teams in the eight-month round-the-world sailing race.

​     The countdown party to celebrate the two firsts for Hong Kong will include a special appearance by the mascot Wisdom, giveaways, face painting, photo opportunities and more. One highlight will see Wisdom take on a number of Hong Kong's leading water sports athletes in a grinding competition.

​     The Volvo Ocean Race is the second biggest event in the world of sailing and widely regarded as the toughest round-the-world sailing challenge. The 2017-18 edition will see the teams cover a total of 45 000 nautical miles in a race that features 12 host cities including Hong Kong and finishes in The Hague at the end of June 2018. A race festival will be held at Kai Tak Runway Park from January 17 to 31 to welcome the arriving fleet. A series of races will be held in and around Hong Kong during the stopover including the In-Port Race and an Around the Island race.

​     For details, please visit www.volvooceanracehk.com. For enquiries, please email volvooceanrace@mayoandcalder.com.

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​     "Joy" Us Hiking, a series of hiking activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the country parks and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR launched by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on October 8, is continuing until December.

​     To enhance the fun of hiking in country parks, the AFCD has selected six hiking routes which are especially impressive in the autumn and winter. During specific events at country parks, hikers can learn about the ecology, history and culture of country parks from specially arranged eco-tour guides and be privy to some of the best hidden photo spots while admiring the fascinating natural scenery along the way. For one day only at each location, participants will receive a free souvenir pack by walk-in registration at the reception kiosk. Game booths and a photo exhibition will also be held at each event.

​     The dates and locations of the coming "Joy" Us Hiking events are as follows:
 

Date	Location
October 22	Plover Cove Country Park
November 5	Tai Lam Country Park
November 19	Lantau South Country Park
December 3	Shing Mun Country Park
December 17	Sai Kung East Country Park

 
​     For details of the events, please visit cp40.afcd.gov.hk.
 
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​     Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR cum Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Ma On Shan - Parent Child Walk cum Photo-taking Competition, organised by the Sha Tin East One Area Committee, will be held on October 22 (Sunday) from 10am to noon. The walk will start at the tai-chi area of Ma On Shan Park and continue along the Ma On Shan Promenade. Walkers will receive a souvenir upon completion of the walk. 

​     Aside from the opportunity to enjoy the family walk, participants can join a photo competition for a chance to win gift certificates. Each participant may submit up to two photo entries with the theme of "Home@ Ma On Shan". A champion, a first runner-up, a second runner-up and 10 merit award winners will be selected from among entries received by November 3 (Friday).

​     The event will be open to the public for free. For enquiries, please call 2633 0629.

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​     Organised by the Sha Tin East Two Area Committee, Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR - "Be Happy and Healthy" Carnival in Sha Tin East Two Area will be staged at the open area outside Exit C of MTR Shek Mun Station (near Kings Wing Plaza) on October 22 (Sunday) from 12.30pm to 5pm.

​     Members of the public will be able to enjoy stage performances, exhibitions, game booths and environmental education workshops.

​     For enquiries, please call 2637 1866 or 2158 5330.

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​     To share the joy of the 20th anniversary, the HKSAR Government is joining hands with different sectors to organise a wide variety of activities and events under the theme "Together • Progress • Opportunity".

​     Altogether, more than 900 events and activities are being staged by the Government and different sectors until the end of 2017.

​     For details and updates on the 20th anniversary celebrations and events, please visit www.hksar20.gov.hk.

Ends/Sunday, October 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:00

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