Mission Hills Partners World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Mission Hills has underlined its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development by confirming that proceeds from the star-studded Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament in October will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for its conservation programmes and efforts to protect endangered species.

“With such a fast pace of life in Hong Kong, people don’t have much time to think about social issues,” said singer and actress, Denise Ho. “I’m very happy to see Mission Hills showing such concern for environmental protection and sustainable development. Hopefully, this campaign will raise public awareness about endangered wildlife and species.”

“Mission Hills has, for many years, been a pioneer in environmental protection and sustainable development, so we are delighted to announce this partnership with the World Wildlife Fund,” said Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group, Mr. Tenniel Chu. “While the World Celebrity Pro-Am is a spectacular and entertaining event with global impact, it is also important that we raise funds for such a worthy cause and that the message of conservation and ecological responsibility is clearly delivered.”

The third edition of the World Celebrity Pro-Am will be held from 24-26 October at the fully-integrated Mission Hills Haikou Resort on the tropical island of Hainan.

Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman are being lined up to appear, together with Hollywood heartthrob Chris Evans. Dazzling actress Jessica Alba is confirmed to take part, as is music maestro Kenny G.

Sporting icons heading to the globally-televised World Celebrity Pro-Am include two Olympic legends, Russian ice skater Evgeni Plushenko and Chinese gymnast Li Ning, and Portuguese former international footballer Luís Figo.

China’s basketball legend and former NBA star Yao Ming will also take part in the tournament for the second time. The retired athlete remains one of the most influential sporting figures in China and his revisit to Mission Hills will further popularize the game of golf in the nation.

Top golfers confirmed for the tournament include 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, the flamboyant Ian Poulter, multiple Major winners Gary Player, Greg Norman and John Daly, and Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley.

In total, participants in this year’s star-spangled event have collected more than 160 acting awards, over 100 music awards, 35 Olympic and World Championship medals and a staggering 335 professional golf victories, including 15 Majors.

China’s entertainment industry will be well represented by the country’s top film director, Feng Xiaogang, acclaimed actors Chen Daoming and Wang Zhiwen, and singer Sun Nan.

Hong Kong celebrities taking part will include film director Sammo Hung, actors Donnie Yen, Eric Tsang, Simon Yam, Natalis Chan, Michael Wong and Ruco Chan, and actress Miriam Yeung.

The Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am is being sponsored by American Express, Porsche, Stella Artois, Kohler, Lindt, San Pellegrino and Appletiser.