Hong Kong swimming bosses given go ahead for next month’s Harbour Race, aiming to have around 1,500 participants
- Government has approved plan after organisers agree to leave swimmers in groups of no more than 500 including working staff
- Race will follow same course as last year, leaving from Wan Chai and finishing in Tsim Sha Tsui on Oct 23
Organisers of the New World Harbour Race have been given approval by the Hong Kong government to hold the event next month, with online registration opening at 11am on Saturday.
However, the city’s Covid-19 restrictions mean the number of swimmers allowed will be capped at 1,500 people, the same as last year, with those taking part expected to leave in waves of 500 at a time including working staff. The organisers wanted to increase the entries to 2,000 but the plan was rejected by the government.
New World Development is again sponsoring the popular race, and officials said double Olympic silver medallist, Siobhan Haughey, and Hong Kong team swimmer Kevin Chu had signed on as ambassadors.
“I am very happy to be appointed the New World Harbour Race ambassador this year, hoping to encourage more people to join the important event,” Haughey said. “Swimming in the spectacular Victoria Harbour will be a memorable experience and I hope to bring more positive energy for Hong Kong through promoting the interest of swimming and sharing of my happy involvement in the sport.”
The race will take place on October 23, with Hong Kong Swimming Association planning to start at Golden Bauhinia Square public pier in Wan Chai and finish at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Organisers will take stringent Covid-19 preventive measures as agreed with the government under the pandemic. Contestants must comply with the vaccine pass requirements set out in the latest government guidelines.