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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the UBS Open 2015 Prize Presentation Ceremony today (October 25):
Mr Chan (President of Hong Kong Golf Association, Mr Mark Chan), Mr Lam (Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, Mr Kenneth Lam), Mr Cowen (Deputy Director of International Policy of the European Tour, Mr Ben Cowen), Mr Kerr (Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour, Mr Mike Kerr), Mrs Shih (Head of UBS Wealth Management APAC, Mrs Kathryn Shih), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to be here to enjoy an exciting golf tournament on this beautiful day and to join you all at the Prize Presentation Ceremony of the UBS Hong Kong Open 2015. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I would like to thank all the players for coming to Hong Kong to participate in this tournament and all the golf lovers, including those travelled to Hong Kong, for your great support to this event.
The Hong Kong Open is one of the sporting events that have been awarded the "M" mark status. It is also one of the signature annual mega events in our event calendar that appeals to many locals and non-local visitors. The HKSAR Government encourages the staging of more mega events in town to solidify Hong Kong's status as a premier travel destination. Using the Mega Events Fund (MEF), we have supported a variety of mega events over the past few years and this is the third time MEF being a part of this amazing tournament.
With the MEF's funding support, this year's tournament is able to bring in a strong field of renowned professional golfers which helps further raise the profile of this tournament. The organisers also lined up an extensive community programme to enhance the public's, particularly the youth's awareness and interest in golf.
For making this tournament a huge success that we are all proud of, I would like to express my gratitude to all sponsors, including the title sponsor of this tournament, UBS, for their generous support. My gratitude also goes to the Hong Kong Golf Association for once again staging this signature event, and to all staff members playing a part in this tournament for your hard work and devotion. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulation to Mr Justin Rose for your well-deserved championship. We all look forward to seeing you returning to Hong Kong next year to defend the title.
A friend of mine who lives abroad returned to Hong Kong in early October for vacation. I joked with him that he returned at a perfect timing. Following the inaugural Hong Kong Cyclothon concluded early this month, another major sporting mega event, the Hong Kong Tennis Open just ended last Sunday with exciting final matches. Certainly, sport is only one of our all-round offerings in town. Another annual signature event, Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival which shares the same dates with the Hong Kong Open, is happening right at the Central Harbourfront. I earnestly invite all of you to join the Festival this evening to enjoy the delicacies, fabulous wine, and of course our beautiful skyline and harbour view. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
Wishing you all a great Sunday evening. Thank you.
Ends/Sunday, October 25, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:50
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