HKASA Cancels New World Harbour Race 2020

In the light of the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and to ensure the health and safety of swimmers and staff, the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA) has decided to cancel the New World Harbour Race 2020.

The race normally takes place in October.

Subsequent to the cancellation of this year's race, the organiser has made the following special arrangements for all finalists in 2019:

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

- Swimmers in both the Leisure Group and the Racing Group will enjoy a half price discount on the entry fee for next year’s Harbour Race and will be exempt from the time-trial and administration fees.

Ronnie Wong Man-chiu, President of the HKASA, said, “The safety of swimmers and staff has always been our utmost priority. The COVID19 situation has lasted for months. Given the recent resurgence of the pandemic and with public health in mind, the HKASA decided to cancel this year’s event. We sincerely thank our title sponsor, New World Development, for its support and kind understanding. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the event. The HKASA hopes the COVID19 pandemic will end soon. We hope all swimmers will join us at next year’s race and enjoy the experience swimming in Victoria Harbour.”

The cross harbour race, which first took place in 1906, was also cancelled in October 2019 due to the violent protests that were taking place in the city at that time. About 4,000 swimmers were scheduled to take part in 2019, roughly 10% more than in 2018.

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