Syria unrest not a problem for Hong Kong windsurfers in Israel world championships
Hayley Chan aims to cement her place in the Rio Olympics at the second and final round of Games selection
Unrest in Middle East has not stopped windsurfer Hayley Chan Hei-man from trying to seal a second straight appearance in the Olympic Games, with the Hong Kong No 1 due to compete in the RS:X world championships in Israel on Monday.
The regatta, which takes place in Eilat – a resort located at the northern tip of the Red Sea – over five days, is not only one of the last building blocks in preparation for the Rio Games but also the second and final round of Olympic Games selection for the Hong Kong team.
War in nearby Syria threatened to cancel the event but organisers now say it is safe to continue with the competition.
“This is an important race for Hong Kong boardsailors, not only for the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with the best athletes from all over the world but also in deciding who can represent Hong Kong in the Rio Olympics,” said Windsurfing Association executive director Dennis Chau Wai-keung.
This is an important race for Hong Kong boardsailors, not only for the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with the best athletes from all over the world but also in deciding who can represent Hong Kong in the Rio Olympics
“The regatta was once under threat because of the recent unrest in Syria and nearby areas but since the organisers have decided to go ahead, we have to send our boardsailors there.”
Chan has an advantage over rival for the Olympic spot, Sonia Lo Sin-lam, after better results in the first round of selection and is favoured to book her place in Rio.