Sevens shows what can be achieved when Hong Kong pulls together
The dust has started to settle on the 2015 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, and already feedback forms are being completed and wash-up reports compiled as we identify what went well and what we can improve for 2016.
The dust has started to settle on the 2015 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, and already feedback forms are being completed and wash-up reports compiled as we identify what went well and what we can improve for 2016.
As this was the 40th year of the Sevens we hoped to pay due homage to those whose efforts on and off the pitch over the past four decades have contributed to the success of the event, and the centre piece of that was the gala dinner on the Wednesday before the tournament.
More than 600 guests enjoyed a ferry ride across the harbour to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the venue for the dinner and adjacent to the future home of the much-anticipated new national stadium. I’m not sure what the appropriate collective noun is for rugby legends, but we certainly had one that evening, as we revealed the final member of our “Magnificent Seven” along with the best players to represent Hong Kong since 1976. Memories and stories flowed like wine, and wine flowed like wine, and a good time was had by all.
We also wanted to share our celebratory message with the wider community, both in Hong Kong and overseas, and this was reflected in a number of new promotional initiatives. Our “Rugby on the Road” partnership with KMB took the rugby story out onto our streets, while a special ICC light show – “Hong Kong’s Rugby Spirit” – lit up the harbour skyline each evening.
Internationally, we worked with UK comedian Al Murray to produce a series of short video pieces for our social media channels, recognition of the increasing cross-over between sport and the world of entertainment. Indeed, during the event itself we built in music and performances that we hoped would capture the spirit of Hong Kong and keep the packed stands interested – rarely does one event offer such an eclectic smorgasbord featuring flying Chinese dragons, kung fu rugby and the Village People!
As for the rugby, while we’d all have loved to see the Hong Kong team progress a bit further, another classic Fiji-v-New Zealand Cup final seemed the perfect way to finish off the 40th celebrations.
I hope that what we also achieved this year through all the reflection and recognition of past achievements was to provide a reminder of the qualities that make both the Sevens and our amazing home Hong Kong what they are today.
The success of the tournament relies on co-operation and collaboration between the community, government, the business sector and NGOs, locals and expats – everyone coming together with positivity and a common purpose. There are many divisions in society – cultural, financial, political and religious – but sport gives us a platform to bridge those divides, and for the past four decades the Sevens has been an annual celebration of the best of our society’s values and spirit.
I hope to see you at the Sevens for many years to come.
