6th August, Hong Kong: A warm and traditional ceremony marked the official opening of the CGSE World Youth Championships at SCAA Bowling Centre on Wednesday evening attended by dignitaries, federation representatives, team officials and players.
The ceremony was graced by guest of honour, Mr Timothy Fok, GBS, JP, IOC Member and President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr William Ko, BBS, MH, Chairman of Major Sports Events Committee, Mr Kevin Dornberger, President of World Tenpin Bowling Association and FIQ and Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP, Honorary Life President of Asian Bowling Federation, Secretary General of FIQ & Organizing Chairman.
Also present were Mr Mike Seymour, Vice President of World Bowling and ABF, Mr Christer Jonsson, Seretary General of World Bowling, Presidium members of World Bowling and Asian Bowling Federation.
Dignitaries dotting the eyes of the lion to mark the opening
Among them were countless distinguished guests, federations presidents and representatives, consulars in Hong Kong of the participating countries, representatives of title sponsors and co-sponsors, team officials, coaches, players, supporters and spectators.
Ms Astrid Lo, emcee of the opening ceremony, welcome all present and kick off the ceremonies by introducing the distinguished guests before announcing the marchpast of the 46 participating countries.
Speeches started off with the organizing chairman, Ms Vivien Lau welcoming the players and officials to the championships followed by Mr Kevin Dornberger, who expressed gratitude to the support shown by member federations of WTBA in participating at this year's championships.
Mr William Ko also announced in his speech that the CGSE World Youth Championships 2014 has been awarded the 'M' Mark Brand Hong Kong logo by the Major Sports Events Committee under the HKSAR Sports Commission. He also expressed surprise by the large turnout of teams from around the world for this championship.
Guest of honour, Mr Timothy Fok then delivered han inspiring speech on behalf of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and thanked the title sponsor, The Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society for coming forward with its generous sponsorship.
Group photo of the dignitaries at the opening ceremony
Ms Vivien Lau then invited Mr Fok, Mr Dornberger and Mr Ko to perform the traditional dotting of the lion's eyes to mark good fortune and success in the championships followed by Mr Fok declaring the championships officially opened.
The traditional lion dance, performed by the Sun Ngai Kwun Performaing Arts group then trilled the guests present at the end of which, displayed well wishes banners to the applause of the spectators.
Hong Kong team representatives, Ms Joan Cheng and Mr Michael Mak took the players' oath on behalf of all players while Mr Leung Yuet Ming took the officials oath on behalf of the officials.
166 boys, 96 girls and 120 team officials from 46 countries are taking part in this 13th edition of the World Youth Championships. Official practice will be held tomorrow, August 7 with the championships kicking off with the Singles for boys and girls over two days, August 8 and 9.
The Doubles will be held on August 10 and 11 while the Team of 4 will be contested on August 12 and 13. The top 24 boys and top 24 girls based on the All Events standings (18 games) will qualify for the Step 1 Masters finals on August 14.
The top 8 boys and top 8 girls after Step 1 finals will advance to Round-robin Matchplay Step 2 finals on August 15. The championships will close with the victory banquet at Panda Hotel in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Hong Kong, China.
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