TATLER XFEST HONG KONG ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES
As excitement builds for Inter Miami CF’s first tour to Asia this February, Tatler held a press conference to reveal further details about the inaugural event and community enrichment programme across Hong Kong. Working closely with the respective networks of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) of the Hong Kong Governme t and the official charity partner, Laureus Sport for Good, Tatler XFEST Hong Kong will reach and inspire Hong Kong youth, young athletes, students from underprivileged communities and athletes with disabilities from a wide spectrum of charities, schools, sports associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
On 3 February 2024, during the Open Training Session at the Hong Kong Stadium, selected marquee players from the Inter Miami CF alongside professional coaches will take part in a football clinic for youth aged 9-14 years old.
Additionally, 15,000 beneficiaries from the community will be invited to attend the Open Training session, with tickets being disseminated through the CSTB, Laureus Sport for Good and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA).
The following day, a separate football clinic and interactive sharing session with selected charities and associations will also take place. Laureus Sport for Good has been working with numerous charitable and community organisations that leverage the power of sports, under its Model City Hong Kong programme, which was established in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Government, through the coordination of CSTB, will reach student football players, members of youth support programmes run by the Government and sports associations as well as athletes with disabilities in collaboration with various sports associations and NGOs.
Together, this partnership will allow for the widest reach and impact across deserving communities.
“Through Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, we are harnessing the power of sports to inspire the minds and spirits of the youth of Hong Kong. We believe that the future of Hong Kong lies in the hands of the next generation.
That is why it was important that we provide, especially to those with limited access to such opportunities, this once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from and interact with some of the best players in the world, and to take part in this remarkable celebration.” explained Mr Michel Lamunière, Chairman & CEO, Tatler Asia.
Alongside Mr Michel Lamunière, Tatler Asia Chairman & CEO, at the Tatler XFEST Hong Kong press conference, were the honoured guests, Mr Kevin Yeung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Government, Mr Eric Fok, JP, Chairman of the HKFA, and Laureus Academy Member Mr Li Xiaopeng.
In welcoming the esteemed guests, Mr Michel Lamunière said, “Tatler Asia is delighted to be working closely with the Hong Kong Government, the HKFA and our sponsors and partners in hosting such a prestigious sporting event which demonstrates Hong Kong's resurgence as Asia’s World City, the super-connector and a hub for international events.
Indeed, this event represents an important showcase of the dynamic collaboration between public and private sectors, enhancing experiences for both residents and tourists alike.”
In remarking on the importance of the sporting occasion in further enhancing and promoting the city’s status as a truly international events and tourism destination, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Mr Yeung said: “Hong Kong is delighted to be one of the stops for Inter Miami CF’s first tour to Asia, showcasing the attractiveness of the city as the events capital of Asia.”
Laureus Academy Member and multiple world and Olympic gymnastics champion Mr Li Xiaopeng, remarked: “This exciting partnership with Tatler XFEST Hong Kong is another milestone moment in Laureus’ important work here in Hong Kong. To have the young people from our partner programmes and sport programmes across Hong Kong as part of the Model City Hong Kong programme partners part of Inter Miami CF’s landmark first match in Asia at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium is a huge honour. On behalf of my fellow Laureus Academy Members, I’d like to thank Tatler Asia for their support.”
Joined by Hong Kong footballers Mikael Severo Burkatt, Mahama Awal and Ngan Cheuk Pan, Chairman of the HKFA Mr Fok announced the Hong Kong squad set to take on Inter Miami CF which include the mercurial talents of captain Lionel Messi, along with teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and newly-signed legend, the former Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Liverpool striker Luis Suárez.
Taking Inter Miami CF on will be a specially selected Hong Kong team of leading Hong Kong Premier League stars. Highlighting details of the full-squad, Mr Fok said,“We are delighted to welcome Inter Miami CF to Hong Kong and are looking forward to a memorable match.
This represents a very special career opportunity for our Hong Kong players and we hope the game inspires more local youngsters to take part in sport. We very much look forward to further opportunities to bring even more world- class football to Hong Kong.”
Tatler XFEST Hong Kong has also been made possible thanks to the headline event sponsors, Prudential, and the exclusive hotel partner The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, along with tournament event sponsors Adidas, BMW, Chopard and Mastercard. The organiser also recognises the enthusiastic support of Hong Kong organisations, the Hong Kong International Airport, Brand Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
For disappointed fans who could not get a ticket, the entire game will be shown live on NOW TV, the local host broadcaster, amplifying the excitement and ensuring all football fans in Hong Kong can get involved.
Tickets to the highly anticipated match sold out in less than an hour through the event’s exclusive ticketing partner, Klook. The organiser reminds fans that ONLY official genuine valid match tickets, purchased on the Klook ticketing platform, will secure entry and can only be scanned one time. The organiser advises all fans against the purchase of tickets from third parties at the risk of refusal of entry and eviction from the stadium.