Speech by SCST at Draw and Media Launch of Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2023 (English only)
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Chris (Chairman of Hong Kong Rugby Union, Mr Chris Brooke), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Luanne (Chief Executive, Hong Kong of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Ms Luanne Lim), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you here at the Draw and Media Launch of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2023.
This is more so because Hong Kong has lifted our almost three-year masking requirement, we can now see each other's happy faces. Let's give a round of applause to Hong Kong and all of us here.
I am extremely excited to see the return of the Hong Kong Sevens in full in less than five months again after the stabilisation of the pandemic. We have now returned to normalcy comprehensively, and resumed full connectivity with the Mainland and the world. This is the perfect time to showcase to the world that Hong Kong is back on stage and ready for hosting high-profile and world-class sports, culture and entertainment events with best-ever experiences for our local people and visitors from abroad.
This year is the 46th edition of the Hong Kong Sevens. It is a combined men's and women's world series tournament that brings together 28 top-level teams in the same field. It is also the first time ever for the men's and women's teams of Hong Kong, China to appear side by side in an event. There is no doubt that it will bring us again a series of high standard, exciting and thrilling matches over the weekend, which we are all looking forward to.
Before I close, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Hong Kong Rugby Union for their sterling effort in hosting this premier sports event, and Cathay Pacific and HSBC for their support, adding vibrancy and vitality to the city and enhancing our position as a centre for major sports events.
May I wish the Hong Kong Sevens 2023 a tremendous success and all rugby fans an enjoyable time. Thank you.
Ends/Monday, March 6, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:28
Issued at HKT 17:28
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