Representatives from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Sydney, NSW Rugby Union, the NSW Waratahs and Australian Women’s Sevens have launched the Hong Kong NSW Secondary School Rugby Sevens Championship 2014.
The ceremony marks the partnership between HKETO and NSW Rugby Union for the second year with the aim of generating closer sporting and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Australia.
Officiating at the ceremony, HKETO Deputy Director Bernard Lo said the sponsorship was a natural fit considering the popularity of Sevens in both Australia and Hong Kong.
“In addition to the annual Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong has a lot more to offer. HKETO wants to ensure Hong Kong is at the forefront of young Australians’ minds when it comes to sports, academics and culture,” he added.
“We are happy to have HKETO’s participation. It helps promote rugby on a local community level,” said NSW Waratahs lock Jed Holloway.
NSW Rugby Union Operations Manager Michael Doyle also welcomed the partnership, saying it will raise the profile of rugby among students in the state.
“We’re very excited HKETO has continued sponsoring the championship and extended it to include girls’ teams this year. With sevens making its debut in the 2016 Summer Olympics, this initiative will help generate further interest in our sport,” he said.