ENG-2010 — Page 487

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In 2010, the NSAs were given subsidies under the scheme to stage international events in Hong Kong. These included the Hong Kong Tennis Classic 2010, the 2010 Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asian Cup, the Hong Kong International Judo Tournament 2010, the FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup - Hong Kong 2010, the 2010 Hong Kong Junior & Cadet Open ITTF Premium Junior Circuit (Table Tennis), the Hong Kong International Bowls Classic 2010, the 15th Asian Cities Gold Cup Taekwondo Championships and Hong Kong Indoor Open 2010 (Cycling). The LCSD also provided subsidies under the scheme to NSAs to strengthen squad training and to enable athletes representing Hong Kong to participate in overseas competitions.

'M' Mark Support Package

The 'M' Mark Support Package was launched in November 2004 by the Sports Commission's Major Sports Events Committee to seek greater support from the commercial sector and the community for the NSAs in developing more sustainable major international sports events. In addition to logistic support from the Government, some 'M' Mark events also receive funds from the Arts and Sport Development Fund. In 2010, eight events were given 'M' Mark status and/or support packages.

The 3rd Hong Kong Games

Details of the latest biennial Hong Kong sporting event, the 3rd Hong Kong Games (3rd HKG), were announced at a ceremony on June 21, 2010. The Games will take place in May 2011 with about 3 000 athletes competing in eight sports: badminton, basketball, futsal, table tennis, tennis, swimming, volleyball and athletics.

The HKG is part of an initiative to promote 'sport-for-all' in Hong Kong. It is organised by the LCSD in collaboration with the Sports Commission and its Community Sports Committee, 18 District Councils, the SF&OC and the relevant NSAS.

The 4th All-China Games

The 4th All-China Games were held in Hefei, Anhui Province, in May 2010 with Hong Kong taking part in them for the first time. The Games feature non-Olympic sports and are held every four years to promote sports for the general public. The Hong Kong contingent comprised 92 athletes who competed in 19 events and won 97 trophies.

2010 Bun Carnival

Tens of thousands of local and overseas visitors converged on Cheung Chau Island, on the western part of Hong Kong, to watch the popular annual Bun Carnival which was held from May 8-22, 2010. The event was given extensive coverage by the local and international news media. About 8 000 people took part in the festivities, the highlight of which was a bun scrambling competition in which contestants plucked buns from 14-metre high bun towers. A women's division was introduced in the competition in 2010, attracting 44 participants.