Schwarzenegger's Arnold Classic Asia sports festival flexes its muscles in Hong Kong - and, yes, he'll be back
Andrew Sheets
The Arnold Classic is coming to Hong Kong.
Founded by Hollywood star and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, the multisport festival has flexed its muscles since launching in 1989 as a bodybuilding competition. Staged in various locations around the globe, the event challenges both professionals and all-comers in competitions that range from chess and the Rubik's cube to table tennis, arm wrestling, tai chi and martial arts. Also included are workshops on the latest health and wellness trends.
Hong Kong will be the "permanent home of the Arnold Classic Asia", says Richard Petty, who is responsible for bringing the festival to the continent for the first time. "We'll be back," he could have said, as the event will be staged here annually.
In the past year, Arnold Classic festivals in the United States, Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia have attracted more than 500,000 visitors and 30,000 athletes with more than 55 sports and events.