PRESS INVITATION

Dear News Editor,

The 18^th Annual Pedal Kart Racing For Those Who Can’t

An unusual spectacle of human powered four wheel 24 hour race will take place at Morse Park in Wong Tai Sin on 22^nd to 23^rd February soon.  This event is now near the end of its second decade in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Human powered Vehicle Association (HKHPVA) and Round Table are promoting the event with the target of increasing the charitable funds raised.  We would like to invite The Standard to report this remarkable event.

This event has a theme that it encourages sporting and athletic excellence while promoting a strong charitable aspect.  Its motto is “Pedal for those who can’t”.  This long-established charity race in Hong Kong, has raised over 23 million dollars for charity since its inception in 1986.  It was modeled on the event at Bristol University, UK, which dates from 1961.  The fund has been helping various organizations and projects such as Rainbow Project, Hong Chi Association, Oxfam’s China Development Fund, and so on.

“To keep repeating this year after year is a clear signal that not only are the organizer (HKHPVA) an incredible team but that the event is well loved by the participants – as they all keep coming back for more!” said Tim Lovatt, Chairman of Round Table 10.  In this year, 40 teams with different categories are going to compete various race trophies that will be awarded for the overall winner, the leading all-women’s kart, the highest placed mixed team and the highest placed school’s team, engineering excellence, the best all-round kart and the best turned out kart.

“Initiatives from us have resulted in an agreed International Pedal Kart Specification which permits karts from Hong Kong to race in similar races overseas, and also allows foreign karts to race here.  We have as yet not managed to host an international entry, but we expect on before too long.” said Simon Boyde, President of HKHPVA. 

The organizer also received supportive messages from Dr. E K Yeok, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mr. Timothy Fok, the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China,  Robert J S Law, JP, the Director of Environmental Protection as well as Mrs. Maureen Chan, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Sports Development Board.

This race will commence at 3.00pm on 22^nd February and finish at 3.30pm on 23^rd February.  It is open to everyone who is prepared to use their energy to raise money for charity.  For those who cannot participate in the racing, are also welcome to give support to the 24 hours of pedaling participants and experience this meaningful and lively Hong Kong Grand Prix 2003.  Admission is free.  All media representative are welcomed.

About the Round Table – The Hong Kong Chapter

Round Table dates back to 1927 when a group banded together to try to help others less fortunate, not by direct gifts of money from their own pockets, but rather by raising money by their own efforts.  It is this which makes Round Table distinct from other similar organizations.

In Hong Kong, the first Table was founded in 1954 and, after a high of ten Tables in the late 1970’s, there are now four active Tables in the SAR, bring together young men between the ages of 18 and 45 to donate their time and energy to create innovative projects designed to increase public awareness of the need to raise money for charities.  Round Table belongs to the World Council of Young Men’s Service Clubs.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Shirley Chiu
Hong Kong Grand Prix 2003
Tel: 90997069
Email: hongkongpedal@yahoo.com.hk