4th August, Hong Kong: HKTBC organised press conference of the CGSE World Youth Championships 2014 in conjunction with the fringe event for athletes of the HKG Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled and for the Mentally Handicapped.

Dignitaries present at the press conference held at Regal Hong Kong Hotel included Mr Haywood Cheung, President of the title sponsor, Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society, Mr Kevin Dornberger, President of the World Tenpin Bowling Association and FIQ, Ms Petty Lai, Principal Assistant Secretary (Sports & Recreation) Home Affairs Bureau, Mr Lincoln Yu, Vice President of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled.

Also present were Ms Cecilia Wong, Chairperson for the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Mrs Stella Lau, Chairman of School Sports Federation, Mr Christer Johnsson, WTBA secretary general and representatives from various co-sponsors.

Bowlers representing Hong Kong team, Team USA and athletes from the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled as well as athletes from the Hong Kong Sports for the Mentally Handicapped.

"We are indeed deeply greatful to the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society (CGSE) especially Mr Haywood Cheung for becoming out title sponsor for this prestigious championship," said Ms Vivien Lau in her opening speech.

"For the first time ever, CGSE has come forward by sponsoring HK Dollar 1 million for which our government has matched this same amount which will enable us to host this enormous event. The championship is also supported by many co-sponsors, for which HKTBC is most appreciative for."

The championship is participated by a total of 166 boys, 98 girls and 120 officials from 46 countries from the American zone, European zone and Asian zone which will commence from August 6 through to 15, 2014 at the SCAA Bowling Centre in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

"Hosting the World Youth Championships is no simple task," said Mr Kevin Dornberger, President of WTBA and FIQ in his speech. "We have no doubt about HKTBC having the ability to host such a huge tournament, as shown in previous event such as the World Championships for Women in 2011.

"This is due to capable leadership of its Chairman, Ms Vivien Lau. Although she has had sleepless nights leading to the championships, I'm sure with a capable committee under her, this championship will be highly successful.

Ms Petty Lai presented bouquet of flowers to the boys team of USA while Mr Haywood Cheung presented bouquet of flowers to the girls team of USA. Team USA has been invited for the Fundraising Bowling Tournament held yesterday as well as the demonstration and coaching clinic to be held after the press conference at SCAA Bowling Centre.

Dintiguished guests, athletes and represenatives of co-sponsors were treated to a buffet luncheon at Regal Hong Kong Hotel after the press conference ended. There will be a third fringe event - Demonstration for Secondary School students and youths from the Tung Wah Group of Hospital to be held on August 5 also at SCAA Bowling Centre.

An official opening ceremony will be held on August 6 at SCAA Bowling Centre commencing at 1830 hrs. Official practice for teams will be held on August 7 and the competition will kick off on August 8.

Entrance to the competition venue is free and all are invited to lend support to both the local Hong Kong team as well as your favourite teams.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Hong Kong.

27th May, Hong Kong: Hong Kong was awarded the hosting right of the 2014 World Youth Championships at the WTBA Executive Board Meeting at Bangkok, Thailand in 2012. This championship is held every 2 years with participation of national youth teams representing countries and territories from the 3 zones, American Zone, Asian Zone and European Zone.

This is the second time that a World Youth Championships is being held in Hong Kong ever since it was first held in the territory in 1996. We expect a participation of around 45 countries and territories with more than 280 athletes and 120 officials as well as overseas press and media.

The Championship was awarded the 'M' Mark branding as well as the Brand Hong Kong logo by the Major Sports Events Committee under the HKSAR Sports Commission and funded by the Arts and Sport Development Fund of the Home Affairs Bureau.

The Title Sponsor of this Championship is The Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society (CGSE).

Co-sponsors are Chancellor Precious Metals, Fine Metal Asia Limited, Glory Sky and Safe Gold Bullion Limited as well as Official Drink Sponsor Watsons Water and Mr. Juicy.

A series of promotional activities will be organized to create awareness in the community and among the districts of Hong Kong.

The USA and China National Youth Team have been invited to come earlier to participate in these activities which include Celebrity charity match to raise fund for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and demonstration as well as coaching clinic for athletes of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped, secondary school students and youth from the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk. All these activities will be held on two respective day in the official venue, SCAA Bowling Centre.

Events in the Championships consist of Singles, Doubles, Team of Four, All Events and Masters. There will be a one-hour delayed broadcast of the finals of all the events on TVB Jade.

For details of activities leading to the championships and the actual championships schedule, please download Activity Schedule.

Photos courtesy of HKTBC.