26th July, Hong Kong: A colourful and traditional ceremony graced by Mr Timothy Fok, GBC, JP, IOC Member and President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee marked the opening of the NTGCC 16th Asian School Tenpin Bowling Championships at SCAA Bowling Centre on Sunday.
The ceremony was also attended by Ms Florence Hui, SBS, JP, Under Secretary for the Home Affairs of Home Affairs Bureau, President of title sponsor New Territories General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Haywood Cheung, Mr Victor Hui, Chairman of South China Athletic Association and many distinguished guests, team officials and players.
Mr Eric Lee, emcee for the ceremony, welcomed all present and kicked off proceedings by first introducing the guests of honours before announcing the march past of the thirteen participating countries from Asia.
Guests of honours dotting the lion's eyes to mark the opening
Speeches started off with the Organizing Chairman, Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress, Honorary Life President of Asian Bowling Federation and Secretary General of World Bowling thanking the guests of honours, generous sponsors and contributors for their support in this championships.
She also expressed gratitude to the support and confidence given to HKTBC by Asian Bowling Federation for hosting the championships for the fourth time. Ms Lau also thanked the participating countries for their support in sending their teams.
Ms Florence Hui, delivered her speech by wishing all the players the best of luck in this championships before the guest of honour, Mr Timothy Fok took the rostrum for his speech. Mr Fok extended his congratulations to all relevant parties involved for having tenpin bowling shortlisted for inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as a medal sport.
Hong Kong team member, Nicolas Breant took the oath on behalf of all players while Leung Yuet Ming took the oath on behalf of tournament officials.
The guest of honour, Mr Timothy Fok together with Ms Florence Hui, Mr Victor Hui, Dr Haywood Cheung, and several distinguished guests were all invited to perform the traditional dotting of the lion's eyes and the tieing the "Good Luck" ribbons to mark the official opening.
Mr Timothy Fok delivering his inspiring speech
Mr Fok then declared the championships officially opened as the drums rolled to start the lion dance. At the end of the dance, the lions displayed several best wishes banners to wish all participants the best of luck in their quest to win honours for their countries. All present were subsequently invited to a welcome reception, hosted by HKTBC at the Ballroom of Regal Hotel Hong Kong.
A total of 13 countries and territories comprising of 34 teams made up of 76 boys and 58 girls bowlers from Asia will be vying for honours for their nation in Singles, Doubles, Team of Four, All Events and the prestigious Masters event.
Competition will kick off with the Singles on Monday, July 27 for the girls and boys followed by the Doubles on Tuesday, July 28. The Team of Four over two blocks of three games each will be staged on Wednesday, July 29.
The top 16 boys and top 16 girls based on the All Events standings (18 games total) will qualify for the Round-Robin Matchplay Masters finals to be contested over two blocks on July 30 and 31.
The top 3 boys and top 3 girls will proceed to the Stepladder Grand Finals. The championships will close with the Victory Banquet at KowloonBay International Trade & Exhibition Centre in the evening.
For enquiry or more information, please contact NTGCC 16th Asian School Tenpin Bowling Championships Secretariat Office at +852 2891 9786.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Hong Kong.
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