FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix – Hong Kong 2017 presented by AS Watson Group is back this year from 21 to 23 July at the Hong Kong Coliseum. The four prominent teams competing in this tournament include Rio 2016 Olympics Gold Medalist Team China and Silver Medalist Team Serbia, the world’s fifth-ranked Team Russia and world’s sixth-ranked Team Japan. This will be the first encounter between China and Serbia since Rio Olympics Finals last year – and will definitely be the highlight of the tournament and an exciting match for volleyball fans to look forward to. The event’s organizer, the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China (VBAHK) revealed details of the tournament in a press conference at Olympian City today.
Mr Wilfred Ng, SBS, JP, President of The VBAHK remarked in his speech, ‘It is our honour to have four world-class powerhouses here in Hong Kong again to compete in FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix – Hong Kong 2017 presented by AS Watson Group. There are a couple of fierce competitions including Team China and Team Serbia’s first encounter after Rio Olympics Final and the restage of Athens Olympics Final in 2004 between Team China and Team Russia, while the battle between the two Asian teams is always a fan-favourite. I would like to take the opportunity to thank AS Watson Group for their years of support, helping FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix become one of the signature sports events in Hong Kong.’
Event’s organizer VBAHK has set up game booths and two pieces of 3D volleyball photo installation at Olympian City, with the hopes of increasing public interest in volleyball. Rio 2016 Olympics Gold Medalist Ms Yang Fangxu and Atlanta 1996 Olympics Silver Medalist Ms Sun Yue took part in the games and had an enjoyable time.
Ms Jacqueline Cheung, Customer Director, Marketing, Watsons Hong Kong under AS Watson Group said, ‘With over 175 years of history, AS Watson Group launched Project LOL philanthropy programme that aims to bring “Lots of Laugh, Lots of Love” to those in need last year through three main areas of service – Health, Education and Caring Community, spreading happiness over the world. AS Watson Group has been actively contributing to the community, bringing health and energy to our customers. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, we are honored to uphold this belief by supporting the FIVB World Grand Prix – Hong Kong, which is one of the greatest major sports events in Hong Kong.’
‘We have been inviting underprivileged groups to watch the match, providing an opportunity for communities to enjoy the sports event altogether. Watsons, Fortress and Watsons Water under AS Watson Group have been supporting this major sports event in Hong Kong and will feature the event snapshots and launch games on social media for customers and communities to engage in the sports event. Prize winners can enjoy free tickets or premium,’ Ms Cheung added.
To further promote volleyball in Hong Kong and encourage community involvement, Ms Yang Fangxu and Ms Sun Yue attended Olympic Medalist Clinic this morning at Yuen Chau Kok Sports Centre, coaching basic volleyball skills to a group of Primary and Secondary school students from Hong Kong. ‘It is such a meaningful event, and we hope that we can personally inspire more youth to love and participate in this sport, to enhance the overall standard of volleyball in Hong Kong,’ said Yang and Sun after the workshop.
The match schedule of FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix – Hong Kong 2017 presented by AS Watson Group is as below:
