4 events in Hong Kong to get a massive $26.85m funding support

Among the four events is a soccer exhibition match between Kitchee and Manchester United.

According to a release, the Mega Events Fund Assessment Committee has earmarked a maximum of $26.85 million to support four events, the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau announced.

They are the UBS Hong Kong Open Championship 2012, Dragon & Lion Dance Extravaganza 2013, Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2013, and a soccer exhibition match between Kitchee and Manchester United.

The Government expects that more than 270,000 visitors and local people will participate in these four events.

The Hong Kong Golf Association will hold the UBS Hong Kong Open Championship 2012 from November 15 to 18. The tournament is expected to draw more than 33,000 participants, including 5,100 tourists. A maximum of $15 million has been earmarked for this event.

The Hong Kong Dragon & Lion Festival Preparatory Committee will hold the Dragon & Lion Dance Extravaganza 2013 in Tsim Sha Tsui on January 1 next year. It is expected to draw around 65,000 participants, including 15,000 tourists. A maximum of $1.4 million has been earmarked for it.

A maximum of $2.45 million has been earmarked for the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2013 to be held in Tai Po Lam Tsuen Wishing Square next February. This event is expected to attract more than 110,000 participants, including 10,000 tourists.

The Kitchee Foundation Limited plans to organise a soccer exhibition match with Manchester United at the Hong Kong Stadium in mid-July next year. A maximum of $8 million has been earmarked for this event which is expected to attract around 40,000 participants, including 8,000 tourists.

The fund was established in 2009. Its Tier 1 aims to attract internationally acclaimed mega events to Hong Kong, and Tier 2 aims to provide funding support to local non-profit-making organisations to host mega arts, culture, sports and entertainment events in Hong Kong.