Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to Host 2006 Little League Baseball Asia-Pacific Tournament
(HONG KONG, June 17, 2006) - Hong Kong Disneyland announced today that it will host the 2006 Little League Baseball Asia-Pacific Tournament at the resort from July 23 through July 29, 2006. The Tournament will include teams from eleven countries and regions divided into two groups, where the winners will advance to the Little League World Series held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania (USA) in August, 2006.
The Asia Region Group includes teams from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Peoples' Republic of China (PRC), Chinese Taipei and Thailand. The Pacific Region Group includes teams from Guam, Indonesia, Mariana Islands, New Zealand and the Philippines. This is the first time that eleven countries and regions have gathered together to participate in the tournaments in Hong Kong, and marks the debut of the PRC team.
This year, Hong Kong Little League is organizing the Tournament, which will be held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on two new, specially designed tournament-grade baseball fields that are being prepared for the event by Leighton Asia. The baseball fields are located on the spacious grounds between the two Disney themed hotels, the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel.
"We are delighted to be putting the grounds at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to good use by hosting the 2006 Little League Baseball Asia-Pacific Tournament. It is one of the important sporting events on Hong Kong's calendar this year and we hope that the public will support our young stars from around the region as they strive for excellence. The tournament promises to be a fun and memorable time for the entire family with lots of Disney-inspired touches to add an extra dash of magic!" said Bill Ernest, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
"The Hong Kong Little League baseball community appreciates the generous support from Hong Kong Disneyland to help organize and provide the venue for this youth sports event," said Simon Li, President of the Hong Kong Little League.
Clara Chong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, commends Hong Kong Disneyland for hosting the tournament. "This international sporting event will not only reinforce our city's position as the Events Capital of Asia, but also promotes cultural exchanges among the participants," she remarked. "We warmly welcome the overseas teams. The timing of their visit couldn't be better, as we're celebrating 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year. I'm certain that with our diverse appeal, the young baseball stars and their families will enjoy a truly unique and total experience in Hong Kong."
As the venue host of this exciting event, Hong Kong Disneyland will provide seating for up to 2,500 spectators, as well as facilities and traditional baseball snacks and drinks such as hot dogs and honey flavored chicken wings.
During the tournaments, guests can try their hand at baseball in the activity zone where they can bat, catch and pitch like a pro. Guests can also improve their all-round baseball skills at the baseball clinic arranged by the Hong Kong Little League. Lucky draws as well as other fun activities will be held on the main stadium between games.
Tickets to all games during the Tournament are free-of-charge to the public and are available from the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express Counter at the Tung Chung MTR concourse at Hong Kong Station from June 26 onwards. Each person can obtain up to six tournament tickets per day. Group tickets are available through Hong Kong Little League (e-mail: hkll@netvigator.com or fax 2504 8629.)
The 2006 Little League Baseball Asia-Pacific Tournament is fully supported by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Hong Kong Disneyland is the venue host of the event with construction management services provided by Leighton Asia. ESPN is the official broadcaster for the Tournament and will provide a one-hour TV program summary highlighting the event.
About Hong Kong Little League The Hong Kong Little League is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to promote and support youth baseball in Hong Kong.
Little League Baseball and Softball is the world's largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.7 million players and 1 million adult volunteers around the world.
About Leighton Asia Leighton is proud to support this exciting community event through the provision of construction management services. Leighton was responsible for constructing the playing fields and associated infrastructure for the tournament.
Since its establishment in Hong Kong in 1975, Leighton has grown to become one of Asia's leading construction and mining contractors and project developers. Our strength lies in our ability to develop innovative, practical solutions for our clients.
The company's expertise encompasses all aspects of civil engineering and infrastructure, building, contract mining, rail, marine engineering, oil and gas, water, environmental services, process engineering and telecommunications.
About Hong Kong Disneyland Opened on September 12, 2005 and located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and recreation centre consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum.
Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mulan and other Disney characters beloved the world over.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
