（2018年11月27日）- 美國PGA職業高爾夫球協會( PGA of America)宣布和中國觀瀾湖集團以及太平洋松體育集團達成多年合作協議，將在中國開設三所美國PGA高爾夫學院。 美國PGA職業高爾夫球協會是全球最大的體育組織之一，共有29,000名職業高爾夫會員，觀瀾湖是世界最大的高爾夫組織，在深圳和海南共有22個高爾夫球場。未來美國PGA 旗下的高爾夫學院將在深圳觀瀾湖開設兩家，第三家學院將在海南島的海口觀瀾湖。 “高爾夫在中國的未來發展有著巨大機會，”美國PGA 職業高爾夫球協會全球和企業戰略高級總監阿爾瓊·喬德瑞（Arjun Chowdri）表示，“我們將持續為美國PGA的會員們提供更多機會，以促進高爾夫運動的發展。中國觀瀾湖多年來持續推動和發展高爾夫，這也是我們共同的理念，雙方在價值觀上的一致將共同推動高爾夫在中國未來的發展。” “在高爾夫再次回到奧運會後，中國女子球員馮珊珊一舉奪得銅牌後，觀瀾湖就希望在中國創建世界一流的高爾夫課程，現在我們將全球統一標準的高爾夫教學落地中國，以惠及中國球員。”觀瀾湖集團副主席朱鼎耀說，“美國PGA職業高爾夫球協會選擇在觀瀾湖開設中國地區的第一家學院，我們希望能為國家隊輸送更多優秀球員，以爭取更多獎牌。同時，也希望能夠通過教練的訓練和管理知識的系統培訓，為中國培養新一代職業高爾夫教練，支持本土高爾夫產業的發展。” 太平洋松體育集團已任命美國PGA職業高爾夫球協會會員郭振飛（Patrick Quernemoen）負責位於中國觀瀾湖這三所高爾夫學院的營運工作。早前，美國PGA職業高爾夫球協會和太平洋松的共同合作夥伴 - 愛思銳體育文化公司 (i3 Sports) 為美國PGA職業高協制定數字媒體策略，包括通過中文媒體平臺如新浪微博，進行美國PGA的相關內容發布。 “我們非常高興能夠再次與美國PGA合作，”太平松體育集團首席運營官郭振飛說，“作為一名有著20年履歷的職業PGA會員，我了解PGA會員有著豐富專業的高爾夫教學經驗，美國PGA這三所學院旨在蓬勃發展高球教學市場，將高爾夫介紹給新一代中國人群中。” 觀瀾湖在最近剛舉行的2018 亞洲高爾夫大賞上獲得12項最高榮譽。其中，包括12個簽名球洞之一的由傑克·尼克勞斯（Jack Nicklaus）設計位於深圳世界杯球場，被評為中國最佳球場。另外，位於熱帶地區的觀瀾湖海口球場，未來規劃總共10個高爾夫球場，也是連續第七年被評為亞太地區最佳高爾夫度假球場。 資料及相片來源 : PGA of America / i3 Sports,

(2018年11月26日 ─ 香港) Red Bull一向高瞻遠矚，早在eSports熱潮席捲世界之前，已開始支持這項運動的發展。 2006年簽下Halo傳奇人物David“Walshy”Walsh，成為旗下贊助的第一位電競運動員。目前Red Bull贊助的電競選手多達37人，好像日本的街霸殿堂級選手Daigo、Clash Royale高手德國的Berin Bjelak及Fornite Ninja等。此外，Red Bull亦舉辦了不同的電競賽事，除了Red Bull Trinity (3對3英雄聯盟)外，還有Red Bull Battle Grounds (星海爭霸II/ Dota 2)、Red Bull Clash Course (天命)、Red Bull Team Brawl (爐石戰記)等等，以及最近剛結束的Red Bull Kumite (街霸5)，香港的選手更於世界總決賽取得第9名。 由Red Bull主辦的Red Bull Trinity英雄聯盟三打三對抗賽，「Timmy又轉機」在周日( 11月25日)假旺角陽光網絡香港電競館進行的港澳區決賽勝出，將代表香港出席12月 15 至16日在台灣Garena 電競館舉行的總決賽，與4支台灣及1支韓國隊伍爭奪總冠軍殊榮。詳情請瀏覽https://www.redbull.hk/trinity。 Red Bull Trinity踏入第二個年頭，賽事吸引到電競強國韓國加入戰團，地區淘汰賽分為台灣、港澳及韓國三條戰線。港澳區戰線比賽採網上報名，每隊由3人組成，共有39支賽伍報名。他們由10月9日開始，透過線上約戰的方式進行對決，並選出最後4強，包括：「RBGIVEWING」、「NewGaming」、「1234567890」及「Timmy又轉機」。4強隊於周日(11月25日)在陽光網絡香港電競館進行線下對戰。由王梓康、羅卓賢及吳家希組成的「Timmy又轉機」在準決賽先以2:0擊敗「1234567890」，決賽面對「NewGaming」。 「NewGaming」在另一場準決賽以2:0擊敗上屆在台灣贏得總冠軍「RBGIVEWING」。 「Timmy又轉機」在決賽以3:1再下一城，贏得港澳區冠軍。隊長王梓康表示：「我們上屆港澳區賽事輸給RBGIVEWING，所以賽前有些擔心會再遇上他們，幸運地這次由另一隊把他們淘汰。不過，RBGIVEWING今年換了隊員，實力稍遜於去年，相信即使我們在決賽相遇，我們也有信心取勝。能夠代表香港出戰台灣，與台灣及韓國的高手比拼，我們心情十分興奮。雖然香港去年取得總冠軍，我們不會因而感到壓力。」 港澳區冠軍將晉級台灣的總決賽，在台北Garena 電競館與4支台灣隊及1支韓國隊伍，分成兩個小組，以 BO1 (一局定勝負)的賽制進行線下小組賽，小組賽積分最高的兩支隊伍進行 BO5 (五局三勝制) 冠軍爭奪戰。 資料及相片來源 : N Square / Red Bull HK

Aaron Rai claimed his maiden European Tour title after holding off fellow Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick to secure a one-shot victory at the HONMA Hong Kong Open presented by Amundi. The 23 year old never actually surrendered the lead on Sunday but saw his six-shot overnight advantage cut to a single stroke by Fitzpatrick during a thrilling final-round battle in the pouring rain at Hong Kong Golf Club. Five-time European Tour winner Fitzpatrick had fired seven birdies in his first 16 holes to pile the pressure on Rai but his challenge faltered when he carded his first bogey of the day at the 17th to give his compatriot a two-shot cushion with one hole remaining. And despite carding a bogey at the last, Rai signed for a closing 69 to finish on 17 under par and open the 2019 Race to Dubai campaign with a stunning wire-to-wire victory in just his 46th European Tour appearance. Fitzpatrick's sensational 64 saw him finish alone in second on 16 under, with Challenge Tour graduate Victor Perez and Australian Jason Scrivener five shots further back in a tie for third place. Scot David Drysdale was on his own in fifth after Sunday's 66, while India's Shubhankar Sharma and Spanish pair Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera Bello were another stroke back in a share of sixth. Information source : HONMA Hong Kong Open

CLASS WINNERS: LMP2 – #8 Spirit of Race, Ligier JS P2 Nissan / AM – #23 United Autosports, Ligier JS P2 Nissan LMP3 – #13 Inter Europol Competition, Ligier JS P3 GT – #11 CarGuy, Ferrari 488 GT3 / AM – #66 TianShi Racing Team, Mercedes AMG GT3 Porsche Endurance Trophy – #16 Modena Motorsports, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup The 2018/19 Asian Le Mans Series opener has delivered a thrilling race, with the win being fought for right up until the chequered flag. Ultimately it was polesitter Pipo Derani in the Spirit of Race Ligier JS P2 that crossed the line first to claim victory alongside his teammates Côme Ledogar and Alexander West. Series newcomers United Autosports finished 2nd with Paul Di Resta behind the wheel of the #22 Ligier JS P2 he shared with Phil Hanson. Both teams did it the hard way after they made light contact on the opening lap causing both to drop back down the order. Another front runner to hit trouble early was the #24 Ligier JS P2 Algarve Pro Racing being driven by Andrea Pizzitola. While leading the race, Pizzitola pulled off the track with a terminal engine issue. Having a more successful day was the second LMP2 car from United Autosports, the #23 Ligier JS P2 raced by Guy Cosmo, Patrick Byrne and Salih Yoluc finished 3rdoutright, also claiming the win in the LMP2 AM Trophy class. ARC Bratislava finished 4th outright and 2nd in the LMP2 AM Trophy class with team owner Miro Konopka joined by Ling King and Darren Burke in their #4 Ligier JS P2. The third LMP2 AM entry, the #25 Algarve Pro Racing Ligier JS P2 Nissan driven by Mark Patterson, Anders Fjordbach and Christopher McMurry finished 5th outright and third in class. In LMP3, pole sitters Inter Europol claimed the victory in their first Asian Le Mans Series race with Jakub Smiechowski and Martin Hippe sharing duties in the #13 Ligier JS P3. The first of the two United Autosports Ligier JS P3s, piloted by Chris Buncombe, Garret Grist and Wayne Boyd finished 2nd. Eurasia Motorsport claimed the final place on the podium thanks to a solid drive from Aidan Read and Nobuya Yamanaka in the #36 Ligier JS P3. The battle for the race victory in GT was drama filled. The race was won by Japanese newcomers Car Guy in the team’s first race in their new Ferrari 488 GT3. The #11 Ferrari was raced by Takeshi Kimura, Kei Cozzolino and James Calado. Making it a Ferrari 1-2, the Spirit of Race #51 Ferrari 488 GT3 piloted by Alessandro Pier Guidi, Francesco Piovanetti and Oswaldo Negri Jr. finished the race in 2ndplace in the GT class. In 3rdplace in the GT class was the TF Sport Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 of Johnny Mowlem and Bonamy Grimes. After pulling away comfortably in the early stages of the race the class pole sitting #88 TianShi Racing Team, Audi R8 LMS had a difficult race that eventually ended with retirement. At the end of a very tough weekend though, the TianShi Racing Team finished the race on top in the the GT AM Trophy with their #66 Mercedes AMG GT3. Prior to the race, the only track time the drivers Max Wiser and Xu Wei had was in qualifying after a problem with their original entry. In Porsche Endurance Trophy, it was polesitter, Benny Simonsen and Philippe Descombe in the #16 Modena Motorsports, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup that dominated the race to take a comfortable victory. It is now just under two weeks until the second round of the Asian Le Mans Series, this time coming from Fuji Speedway in Japan on 7-9 December. Information and photo source : THE ASIAN LE MANS SERIES

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (November 25, 2018) - Formula E has today announced that CBMM Niobium will become the race title partner for round four of the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship - the CBMM Niobium Mexico City E-Prix - as part of their continued association with the electric street racing series. Following an increased presence at a number of races last season, having acquired the naming rights for both the Punta del Este E-Prix and inaugural race on the streets of Rome, the world’s leading supplier of niobium products will branch out into new key territories over the next three seasons. Partnering with the series for a handful of select events, which includes the race in Hong Kong and supporting the end of season awards gala in New York City as an official partner - CBMM Niobium will also be the presenting partner for the BMW i Berlin E-Prix. Niobium technology has a variety of important and valuable applications across the automotive sector, including batteries, drivetrains, chassis, wheels and other components. The qualities of niobium allow materials to be stronger, lighter, more robust and more reliable - and at the same time more sustainable. Niobium also delivers similar advantages across other business sectors, including energy and infrastructure. Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “I’m delighted to have CBMM partnering with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for even more races in season five and beyond. They’re a global advocate for the use of niobium in a range of products and using the research and development platform of the electric street racing series is a great way to deliver our shared vision of creating cleaner technologies for the future.” Eduardo Ribeiro, CEO of CBMM, said: “CBMM's relationship with Formula E represents a great opportunity to build awareness of niobium and has proven to be a unique platform for developing partnerships to explore and progress the growing potential of sustainable mobility. We’re delighted to be extending this partnership." For more information about the CBMM partnership, visit - https://niobium.cbmm.com/en/formula-e To get the latest news on the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, visit - www.FIAFormulaE.com Information and photo source : ABB FIA Formula E Championship

過去六年，深圳公開賽都是作為WTA新賽季的揭幕戰打響，2019賽季同樣如此。總獎金高達75萬美金的深圳公開賽將在新年來臨之際再次起航，參賽陣容包括諸多實力與人氣兼備的頂級球星。 從2018年12月29日到2019年1月5日，深圳公開賽將繼續在球迷熟悉的深圳市龍崗區體育中心舉行，並將迎來新的賽事總監——巴西人路易斯 · 卡瓦羅。對於帶領新一屆深圳公開賽走向成功這一重任，卡瓦羅先生表示非常期待！ 卡瓦羅先生表示：“中國是一個非常迷人的國家，充滿了各種可能性和多樣性，將持續散發強大的吸引力。女子網球在中國擁有令人難以置信的擁躉，我們非常自豪將舉辦這個國家每一年的第一站網球比賽。” 深圳公開賽賽事組委會今天宣布，體壇最為著名的運動員之一莎拉波娃將攜手大滿貫冠軍奧斯塔彭科，領銜新一屆深圳公開賽的參賽陣容。此外，法國球星加西亞、來自中國的大滿貫青少年冠軍王欣瑜和王曦雨，也將亮相本屆賽事。 卡瓦羅先生補充說道：“完整的參賽名單將稍後公佈，現在公佈部分領銜球星名單是為了讓球迷們可以提前得知新一屆深圳公開賽星光璀璨，勢必會在深圳市龍崗區體育中心為大家奉獻為期一周的精彩角逐。” 毫無疑問，現年31歲，擁有五座大滿貫冠軍的莎拉波娃是一位偉大的網球明星，2017賽季她復出之後，整個網壇都為之振奮。這將是莎娃連續第二年從深圳開啟新賽季的征程，2018年她在深圳公開賽中躋身四強，此外，她還在羅馬打進半決賽，在馬德里和法網闖入八強。 奧斯塔彭科是女子網壇最為耀眼的新星之一。 2017年她在法網決賽上演大逆轉，擊敗哈勒普奪冠，震驚世界。要知道，當時她才剛剛度過20歲的生日，這份生日禮物一定讓她永生難忘。 奧斯塔彭科成為拉脫維亞歷史上首位獲得大滿貫單打冠軍的球員，當年她還贏得了另外一站巡迴賽冠軍，世界排名一度上升到第五名的高度。 2018年，奧斯塔彭科在邁阿密皇冠賽獲得亞軍，在溫網打進四強（草地是她最喜愛的場地），在伊斯特本、羅馬、斯圖加特和聖彼得堡打進八強。這將是她連續第二年亮相深圳公開賽。 加西亞在2018年的表現也堪稱出色，其世界排名一度來到第四位的新高度，她在天津公開賽擊敗普利斯科娃奪冠，贏下職業生涯第六座冠軍。此外，她還在馬德里和斯圖加特（擊敗莎拉波娃和斯維托麗娜）打進四強，並且在其他七站比賽中晉級八強。 這將是這位法國球員第二次造訪深圳公開賽，她上次參賽還要追溯到2013年，當時她是參加資格賽。 對於本土球迷而言，無疑非常期待看到中國的兩位潛力新秀回歸深圳公開賽。 17歲的王欣瑜和王曦雨在2018年的青少年大滿貫賽事中發揮出色，令人驕傲。 憑藉在2018年美網青少年組女單中奪冠，王曦雨成為首位摘得大滿貫青少年組女單冠軍的中國球員。此外，她還和王欣瑜搭檔，贏得了2018年溫網的青少年組女雙桂冠。 除了在溫網青少年組雙打捧杯，王欣瑜今年還和梁恩碩在澳網青少年組女雙中問鼎冠軍。此外，王欣瑜還手持外卡參加了澳網女單正賽的較量，這也是她首次亮相大滿貫正賽。 國家體育總局網球管理中心主任、中國網球協會副主席劉文斌先生表示：“每一年，深圳公開賽都在成長和進步，它不僅是女子網球世界巡迴賽中令人期待的一站比賽，也是中國網球發展中非常重要的一部分。從賽事元年李娜贏得冠軍起，球迷見證了諸多女子網球明星在這裡優雅揮拍。” “我們預祝新一屆賽事將繼續出類拔萃，許多偉大的球星已經承諾參賽。我們也熱烈歡迎新的賽事總監——路易斯· 卡瓦羅先生上任，並期待和他一起打造又一屆成功的賽事。” 深圳公開賽同時宣布，賽事前兩天，也就是12月29日和30日，中央球場的比賽將免費開放。同時，兩片外場的比賽整週都將免費開放。 12月30日，備受歡迎的兒童日也將回歸，第四次在深圳公開賽期間舉辦。今年的幸運兒童將通過深圳公開賽的官方微博和微信平台招募選拔，具體細節稍後將公佈。 深圳公開賽由中國網球協會、深圳市文體旅遊局、IMG 、央視IMG體育賽事管理有限公司主，由龍崗區文體旅遊局、佳兆業文體、弘金地體育承辦。 賽事贊助商包括：佳兆業集團、金地集團、深圳龍崗珠江皇冠假日酒店、愛奇藝體育、鴻星爾克、力健、尤尼克斯、海德以及康師傅包裝飲用水。 更多信息請登錄賽事官方網站 ：www.ShenzhenOpenTennis.com 資料及相片來源 : 深圳公開賽 / IMG

[2018年11月25日，香港]: 經過12場賽事和逾萬公里的旅程，香港昨日以10-27不敵加拿大，終於在「2019 欖球世界盃」終極外圍賽止步。 加拿大將成為明年「世界盃」決賽週的第20支參賽隊伍，依然保持其自1987年以來從未缺席的優良紀錄。另外德國藉43-6輕取肯雅而獲得額外積分，令港隊只能以第3名完成這外圍賽。 DTH 雲達美域(DTH van der Merwe)上下半場也為加軍取得達陣，加軍上半場領先14-3，下半場繼續保持強勢，最後以27-10鎖定勝局。 香港今場要以4個達陣勝出才有望出線，上半場已奮力向對手攻擊可惜受制於加軍的嚴密防守，加上滂沱大雨也付令港隊的進攻效率打了折扣。 中場主力施比斯(Tyler Spitz)之前兩場賽事也是正選，可惜今仗打了3分鐘便拉傷並由禾獲特入替。 港隊甫開賽便毫不客氣地進攻，更逼使對手賠上多個罰球。雖然港隊必要取得達陣，但卻選擇以罰球攻門。 受壓的加拿大並沒有自亂陣腳，更以堅固防守伺機還撃，並由巴克威(Ray Barkwill)在18分鐘的達陣打開缺口，隊友的附加罰球也中鵠，加軍以 7-0 領先。 香港的史尼譚(Liam Slatem)之後的一次達陣因犯規在先而被判無效。隊友羅斯尼(Matt Rosslee)在30分鐘射入罰球，將分數改寫成3-7。 港隊賽前部署在半場中後段能制造更有威脅的攻勢，可是卻事與願違。雲達美域出其不意地截下了羅斯尼的大腳解圍，更長驅直進逹陣，攻入個人今屆外圍賽的第四個達陣，加軍擴大比分至14-3。 加軍的哥頓麥禾爾(Gordon McRorie)在上半尾段被罰黃牌，但港隊亦未能佔任何甜頭。香港半場後以原班人馬上陣，可惜仍未能善用人數上的優勢。 史尼譚的另一黄金機會再次化為烏有，港隊終於在53分鐘由赫尼(Conor Hartley)達陣，加上羅斯尼的附加罰球，香港追近至10-14。 兩軍之後陷於膠著狀態，而加軍在完場前20分鐘兩度射入罰球，將分差增加至 20-10 。雲達美域之後再次達陣，加軍的附加罰球也命中目標，奠定了27-10的勝利 。 香港隊長根寧咸(James Cunningham)失望地說：「這是惱人的結局。我們重蹈覆轍，今次也像對德國時未有好好把握機會，反觀對手卻很有效率。」 港隊欖球營運總監戴里斯(Dai Rees) 在回港作深入檢討前說：「 賽後更衣室裏被傷心和憤慨情緒所籠罩，因為大家因為未盡人意的表現而感到失望。」 「其實我們今場的表現並不很失禮，只是犯了對德國時的相同錯誤，我們未有將上半場7成5的控球率化為分數，或許是我們過分著重能否取得額外積分的一事之上。」 「這漫長的旅程和進軍『世界盃』之夢終於完結。我們現在要開始著手準備下一階段的計劃，還有我們已成長了很多。我們需要好好檢討對德國和加拿大失利的原因，並以更強姿態迎接下一個挑戰。」 「香港隊需要進一步強化才能應付高水平考驗，而大前提是透過實戰來遭到達到目的，還有要擴大球員圈。」 「港隊成員的實力已獲得一定的提升，我們要精益求精和挽留年青球員留港選擇以職業欖球為事業。」「我們5年前開始的『精英十五人欖球計劃』只有少於100名球員，當時也未有想到能走到這裡與加拿大爭出線。如今我們已向外間證明了能力和可行性，現在是回家重新出發了。」 「2019欖球世界盃」終極外圍賽 - 香港對加拿大名單 1.丹巴路, 2. 贊斯, 3. 甘寶, 4. 諾治 5. F.菲爾迪 6.根寧咸 (隊長) 7.芬尼8. 林保利 9. 史尼譚 10. 羅斯尼 11. 赫尼 12. 賓布蘭 13. 施比斯 14. 姚錦成 15. 史東 16. 普斯 17. 賓希堅斯 18. 積克柏飛迪 19. 米高柏飛迪 20. 曉臣 21. 朗達 22. 荷迪 23. 禾獲特 資料及相片來源 : Elite Step Asia / HKRU

[Hong Kong, 24 November, 2018]: After assuming tenancy on an initial three-year lease in 2016, and embarking on a comprehensive $6 million construction and renovation project, Cricket Hong Kong is pleased to announce the official opening of its new Cricket Centre at Gin Drinkers Bay in Kwai Tsing District, Kowloon. The new Centre features a planned three grounds, two for senior use and one for juniors, and marks an important milestone in Cricket Hong Kong’s long-term vision to identify and operate new facilities to accommodate the game’s growth. The Centre covers an area of approximately 44,800 square metres, and has been leased to the Association for cricket use through March 2019. Cricket Hong Kong is presently in negotiations with the Hong Kong Government for the renewal of the lease for a further three years through March 2022. As part of these discussions, Cricket Hong Kong is examining ways to further enhance the access provided to the general community and other sports organizations, while balancing the needs for maintenance of the grount to a suitable standard for cricket. These include the earlier opening of the grounds to allow public access for fitness and walking. After investing millions to bring the main ground up to playing standard, the Centre was soft launched at the start of the domestic season in September and officially opened today. With the lack of facilities a common issue for local sports associations, particularly so for cricket given its extensive space requirements, the new ground is essential to safeguard cricket’s continued growth in Hong Kong. “This ground represents a major investment by Cricket Hong Kong in the long-term future of the sport and to providing access to the game for the entire community,” said Mr Rodney Miles, President of Cricket Hong Kong. “Facilities are the lifeblood of any sport, and the opening, and continued development, of the Centre will help us better serve our thousands of members, and further our outreach into the wider community going forward. “We are extremely grateful to the Sir David Trench Fund, the Kwai Ching District Council, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Home Affairs Bureau for their support and look forward to working in partnership to offer significant use of the grounds to both the sporting community and general public across Kwai Ching and Hong Kong,” added Mr Miles. The grounds are a much-needed additional venue for hosting Cricket Hong Kong’s thriving local leagues, from senior men’s and women’s cricket, to boys and girls Junior and Secondary School League. The Centre will also play a key role as a development hub for the sport, with significant usage reserved for training and the hosting of matches for schools and community cricket. The new grounds provide an especially important catalyst for Cricket Hong Kong’s growing schools and junior competitions, while also creating an unique platform to introduce the game to schools across the Kwai Tsing District. In partnership with the LCSD, the Centre will host the LCSD-subvented coaching schemes for local Chinese schools. The ground will also play home to Cricket Hong Kong’s wide-ranging community and charitable initiatives and partners that engage and unite a wide range of communities through cricket. And even the most casual cricketers will be able to access the ground with public leagues and neighborhood competitions welcome in Kwai Tsing. Cricket Hong Kong President Mr Rodney Miles officiated today’s opening ceremony, which was attended by Legislative Councillor, the Honorable Ma Fung-kwok, SBS, JP; Ms Lau, Man-man, Chairperson of the Sir David Trench Fund Committee; Mr Law King-shing, BBS, MH, Chairperson of the Kwai Tsing District Council; Ms Tam Wai-chun, MH, Chairperson of the Planning & District Facilities Management Committee of the Kwai Tsing District Council; Ms Bonnie Yim, Acting District Officer, Home Affairs Department of the Kwai Tsing District and Mr James Lau, MH, JP, Chairperson of the Kwai Tsing District Fight Crime Committee. The officials helped to bowl the ceremonial first ball on the main pitch, capping a daylong celebration of Hong Kong cricket with beginner’s activities and the semi-finals of the U15s Premier League T20s and the Saturday League Division 2 fixture between Diasqua Little Sai Wan Spartans and Chinese cricket side, CHK Pioneers, at 1300. Information and photo source : Elite Step Asia

第一屆香港足毽公開賽將於2018年11月23日至25日假石硤尾公園體育館舉行，是次賽事吸引20多支隊伍參加，分別來自中國，法國，中華台北派，香港。 11月23日 ：12:40 至 22 : 00 11月24日 ：08:10 至 23 : 00 11月25日 ：09:22 至 20 : 00 大家有時間就去支持下香港足毽隊啦。 如有任何查詢，請於辦公時間內致電2504 8134與本會職員聯絡。 資料來源 : 香港足毽總會有限公司 More photos at our facebook page...

The information was collected from seawater samples taken during the Volvo Ocean Race, which, for the first time, combined a global sporting event with cutting-edge scientific research. The science initiative, part of the race’s Sustainability Programme, was presented at the MICRO2018 conference, which heard about leading research related to microplastic pollution. The high-level audience heard how 86 samples were taken by boats Turn the Tide on Plastic and Team AkzoNobel. Scientists found that 93% of those analysed contained levels of microplastics. The results of the programme will contribute to increased understanding of the global marine presence of microplastics and help provide a template for future data collection. Currently there is very little information on microplastic distribution in our seas. Anne-Cécile Turner, Sustainability Programme Leader for the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “The objective of the science element of the sustainability programme was to further our understanding of the extent to which microplastic pollution has now touched our remotest oceans; places that were previously considered to be pristine natural environments. “By speaking at such events we are able to promote this vital information which will help fill the large gaps in our knowledge of the microplastic dispersal. Our aim is that this research will then contribute to the international standardisation of ocean microplastic research.” The presentation, Distribution of microplastics in the mixed layer: results from the Volvo Ocean Race, was given by race scientist Dr. Sören Gutekunst of GEOMAR Institute for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany, funded by the Cluster of Excellence Future Ocean. Dr. Gutekunst said: “The MICRO2018 conference has shown that microplastics is a significant subject about which are still trying to understand the global impact. It has given the scientific community a platform to talk, share and gain knowledge on future solutions and the data, collected during the race, is helping us on this journey.” The samples, collected in small mesh filters when the crews used the on-board water maker, were analysed at a laboratory in Kiel, Germany, using a powerful Raman spectrophotometer. Microplastic concentrations did tend to be elevated within major ocean currents bringing in plastic pollution from a larger area.

The highest levels, 349 particles per cubic metre, were found in a sample taken in the South China Sea that feeds into the North Pacific Gyre. The second highest, 307 particles per cubic metre, were recorded northwest of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. Even close to Point Nemo, the furthest place from land on Earth, where the nearest humans are on the International Space Station, between nine and 26 particles of microplastic per cubic metre were recorded. Scientists will be able to access the data open-source from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database where accompanying meteorological and oceanographic data have also been uploaded. Todd McGuire, Program Director of 11th Hour Racing, the Sustainability Programme's Founding Principal Partner, said: “It’s very exciting to see the impact that the Volvo Ocean Race Science Program is having at a global scale. The data collected by the teams during the race highlights the magnitude of the ocean plastic crisis and the extent of our footprint. With greater knowledge comes a greater sense of responsibility, and this iconic sporting event has become an active part of the solution - not only by providing important data, but also by amplifying the message and rallying wide audiences to take positive action.” Volvo Ocean Race Science Programme was funded by Volvo Cars, who have donated €100 from first 3,000 sales of the new Volvo V90 Cross Country Volvo Ocean Race edition to support the initiative. Stuart Templar, Head of Sustainability at Volvo Cars, said: “Volvo Cars is proud to have funded the Science Programme, which has produced an unprecedented picture of the health of our oceans. In particular, this clearly shows the extent of the global problem of micro-plastic pollution. “Decisive action needs to be taken, including by business. That is why Volvo Cars has made a number of pledges during the Race, including removing single use plastic by the end of 2019 and ensuring that at least 25% of the plastic in new Volvos is made from recycled material by 2025.” Paulo Mirpuri, President of the Mirpuri Foundation, said: "As the Principal Sustainability Partner of the Volvo Ocean Race, we were very proud to be part of this ground breaking research that is now being presented all over the world and raising awareness of the ocean plastic pollution. "This science initiative is leading by example and showing the world how little information we have on our oceans and how important it is to keep researching and taking action to protect our planet." The boats also collected other oceanographic data measurements including temperature, dissolved CO2, salinity, algae content (as chlorophyll a) that give an indication of levels of ocean health and acidification and support quantification of the ocean’s uptake of CO2. In parallel, 30 scientific drifter buoys, deployed during the race, are transmitting data that is essential for forecasting of weather and climate changes, in both the short and long term. This is being utilised by the World Meteorological Organisation and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Information and photo source : Volvo Ocean Race