While covering the Rugby Sevens finals in March last year, David Morris picked up his first handover souvenir, a T-shirt bearing the words The Great Chinese Take-away. The genial photographer was given the item on the condition that he wear it all day long.
It was an advertising tactic that worked well for two budding entrepreneurs, Guy Nicholls and Jon Resnick. Their latest product, canned colonial air, has also found its way into Morris' sackful of 1997-themed freebies.
So have two other T-shirts, two bottles of wine, two key rings and a striking umbrella decorated with bright-red firecrackers. Total estimated retail value: $840.
In the past week, his stash has grown larger. Like many of the other 8,064 registered journalists, he has picked up a carry-all containing goods sponsored by the Hong Kong Government and 10 companies. Though these press packs cost about $600 each to produce, the items and services offered are worth a lot more.
A free heritage and architecture tour the Hong Kong Tourist Association has organised specially for the media would normally cost about $400. And a Nikon vest offered gratis to the first 2,000 photojournalists who apply would have a $350 price tag in shops.
The press pack also includes a souvenir watch, a polo shirt, a baseball cap and a waist bag containing five rolls of Kodak film.
