Colourful ceremony marks opening of championship
9th July, Hong Kong: A colourful ceremony graced by Guest of Honour, Mr Vincent Liu Ming Kwong, Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Department, marked the opening the the 10th Asian Schools Tenpin Bowling Championshp on Monday afternoon at Mei Foo Super Fun Bowl. The elaborate opening saw a record total number of countries participating at this year's championship. The teams paraded at Mei Foo Super Fun Bowl in front of distinquished guests, team officials and supporters followed by the traditional dotting of the lion's eyes to mark the championship open.
The dotting of one lion's eyes was performed by Mr Vincent Liu King Kwong, Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Department while Dr Danny Santos, Secretary General of FIQ, dotted the other lion which was followed by a spectacular lion dance performance.
A total of 13 countries comprising of Chinese Taipei, Guam, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and host nation, Hong Kong have entered 21 boys team and 17 girls team for a total of 38 teams for the 10th edition of the championship.
"We're glad to have the support of the Department of Leisure and Cultural Services of the Hong Kong government without which we would not be able to successfully host this championship," said Mrs Vivien Fung, Hon. Life President of Asian Bowling Federation and Chairman of the Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress in her opening address.
Mrs Fung added: "Hosting the championship also conincided with the 10th anniversary of the handling over the island back to China ten years ago which augers well for the country.
Hong Kong players, Ken Lin and Ms Katherine Lau took the athlete's oath on behalf of the participants during the opening while Mr Willie Cheung, Tournament Director, took the oficials oath together with his team of officials.
After the oath taking ceremony, Guest of Honour, Mr Vincent Liu declared the championship open which subsequently concluded the opening ceremony. All the guests, team officials and players adjourned to Garden City Hotel for the welcoming reception hosted by Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress.
The championship kicks off tomorrow (10th July) with the Singles event for both the boys and girls divisions divided into three squads (groups of players). The championship consists of Singles (individual), Doubles (team of 2) and the Team of 5 events. A total of 5 gold medals for each division will be contested.
The championship will end on the 15th July with the prestigious Stepladder Grand Finals after the two blocks of Masters Finals (8 games each block) played on 14th and 15th July.
Photos by Terence Yaw for HKTBC.