Record Numbers Apply to Swim Across Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

The number of participants enrolled to take place in the New World Harbour Race 2015 has reached a record high of 3,500, including 930 entries for the Racing group and 2,600 for the Leisure group.

Time trials took place on 5 September (Saturday) and 6 September (Sunday)with the final trial scheduled for 12 September (Saturday) at Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool.

In the past five years, swimmers from all walks of life have participated in the race and enjoyed the unique experience of swimming across Victoria Harbour.

This year, to allow more extensive participation, two new categories, School and Charity categories, have been introduced.

To ensure the safety of all participants, those who do not have Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA)-accredited race records or did not complete in last year’s New World Harbour Race are required to complete 1,500m in 45 minutes at the time trial in order to be qualified for race.

In total, 1,920 applicants will attend the time trial this year to fight for a place among the 550 and 1,950 enrolment quotas in the Racing and Leisure groups respectively.

Top 100 swimmers of each age group in the Racing group will be qualified to compete in the race, while the New World Harbour Race Invitation Cup and the School category will admit the top 50 swimmers.

For the Leisure Group, applicants will only be eligible for the draw upon passing the time trial.

Dr. Ng Kin-san, Vice President of HKASA, said, “New World Harbour Race received a record high number of entries this year. The organiser sincerely appreciates the generous support from different sectors in the society. The pilot School and Charity categories also received positive feedbacks. More than 30 students will take part in the time trial this year to bid  for qualification in the School category, and the chance to strive for this inter-school open water swimming title. Furthermore, the organiser would like to remind all participants to be aware of their safety. Sufficient pre-race preparation and training are necessary. Participants are also advised to beware of their health condition and ensure that they are physically-fit for the time trial.”

Time trial results will be announced on 16 September (Wednesday) through New World Harbour Race and HKASA websites. Leisure group public drawing will be held on 21 September (Monday).

To optimise the quota, the organiser will keep the reserve list as per last year. Qualified participants who do not pick up their race kits before a specified date will automatically lose their eligibility. The  organiser will then reallocate the quota to participants on the reserve list. Both the final entrant list and reserve list will be uploaded to New World Harbour Race and HKASA websites on 23 September (Wednesday).

“Funds raised from the Charity category will be donated to the non-profit making organisation partners of our sustainable community development programme, New World Springboard, spreading energetic spirit and positive messages in the community,” said Maria Cheung, General Manager of Corporate Communications of New World Group. “This year, 12 young swimmers from the New World Swimming Academy will compete in the race, including new blood from Sham Shui Po and Tuen Mun. We hope that these young swimmers will strive for their best.”

The New World Harbour Race 2015 will be held on 18 October 2015 (Sunday) at Victoria Harbour.