Hong Kong's New World Harbour Race 2019 Cancelled

The Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) has cancelled the New World Harbour Race 2019, which had been scheduled to take place on Sunday, 27 October 2019.

The cancelation is the latest in a number of major international events that traditionally attract many visitors from overseas. These events not only gave the Hong Kong economy an important boost, but also helped to reinforce Hong Kong's image as a safe global city which welcomed MICE travellers with open arms.

Protests in Hong Kong have become increasingly violent in recent weeks, and protestors / rioters even managed to close the airport, one of the busiest in the world, for almost two days. They have also caused damage to a lot of property and disrupted public transport and roads, not only within the city, but also to and from the airport. Hotels have been badly affected with RevPAR down by over 44.5% and arrivals to the city down by nearly 40% in August.

The HKASA has confirmed that all affected participants will be fully refunded for the entry, administration and time-trial fees. This year’s finalists will also be offered half price on entry fees for next year’s Harbour Race.

Ronnie Wong, President of the HKASA, said, “The HKASA thanks all sponsors and supporting organisations, as well as local and international swimmers for supporting the race. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the event and hope all swimmers will join us for next year’s race.”

Subsequent to the cancellation of the event, the organiser will arrange the following for swimmers qualified for the initial race:

• All swimmers will receive a full refund of the entry fee (HK$300), administration fee (HK$20) and time-trial fee (HK$100) before 15 November 2019;

• All currently registered swimmers in the Leisure Group will have priority in signing up for next year’s Harbour Race;

• Finalists in both the Leisure Group and the Racing Group will be offered a halfprice entry fee for next year’s Harbour Race, and will be exempted from timetrial and administration fees;

• All swimmers may still collect their swimmer packs, containing product testers and coupons provided by the event sponsors, at Kowloon Park Swimming Pool on 12 and 13 October 2019 (Saturday and Sunday) between 9am and 1pm.

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