The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:

     The month of June will be an exhilarating month for major sports events. The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded "M" Mark status to the following three major sports events that will be held in June: the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2019 (June 4 to 6), the Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour - Hang Seng Hong Kong Open (June 4 to 9) and the 2019 CCB (Asia) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (June 14 to 16).

     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Karl Kwok, said today (May 28) that these events, like all "M" Mark events, will add colour and vibrancy to Hong Kong and help attract more visitors.

     "'M' Mark events showcase Hong Kong's capability to host world-class events and reinforce its position as the events capital of Asia," Mr Kwok said.

     "'M' Mark events also help generate economic benefits for Hong Kong by attracting tourists. They also instil a sustainable sporting culture in the community, and 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 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 has been increased from four in 2005 to 12 in 2018. So far, around $136.3 million has been approved to support recognised "M" Mark events.

     For details of other "M" Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:00

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