Mickey Saturday, July 19, 2008  
  Press Release
 



Ms. Alice Kong, Leisure Manager (Sports Funding) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department throws the long anticipated traditional first pitch to officially launch the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort today; the Tournament will run from July 19 - 24, 2008.
Hong Kong Disneyland unleashes baseball mania as the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament kicks off today, with (from left to right) Mr. Neil Torpey, Partner of Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker, Chair-Hong Kong Office, Vice Chair-Global Corporate Group, Mr. Matthew McGee, Marketing Vice President of UPS Global Forwarding, Mr. Peter Lowe, Vice President, Hotel, Sports and Recreation Operations of Hong Kong Disneyland, Mr. BH Chow, Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Little League International, Mr. Rick Dell, Director of Baseball Development, Asia, Major League Baseball, Mr. Michael Reiner, President, Hong Kong Little League, Ms. Monica Wong, Chief Executive Asia of HSBC Private Bank and Ms. Alice Kong, Leisure Manager of Sports Funding, Leisure and Cultural Services Department as officiating guests.
The Hong Kong team play against Korea at the first match of the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament held at Hong Kong Disneyland's baseball fields.
The Hong Kong team beats Korea 2:1 at their first match of the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Guests enjoy an exciting game on the first day of the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament held at Hong Kong Disneyland's baseball fields.

2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament
Launches Summer Sporting Excitement at
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
For daily score updates please visit https://www.hkll.org/apt2008.php

(HONG KONG, July 19, 2008) - Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is hosting the Little League Asia Pacific Tournament for the third consecutive year. At the Opening ceremony, Alice Kong, Leisure Manager of Sports Funding of Leisure and Cultural Services Department, threw out the first pitch, officially kicking off the six-day competition (July 19-24) , with 12 top baseball teams vying for the Asia Pacific championship.

This year, the Tournament has attracted many young baseball talents and the Asia Pacific all-star teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, CNMI (Saipan), Guam, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Korea, New Zealand, People's Republic of China, the Philippines and Thailand. The team that wins the Championship game on July 24 will represent the Asia Pacific Region in the Little League World Series to be held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

"With the Olympics less than a month away, across Hong Kong there is a fantastic sporting spirit, making the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament especially significant this year," said Mr. Peter Lowe, Vice President, Hotel, Sports and Recreation Operations of Hong Kong Disneyland. "As an active member of the community, Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to fostering the positive values that this tournament embodies; team work, team spirit and true sportsmanship."

"Being the designated host for the third year in a row, the Resort will continue to fully support the Little League Tournament, bringing the rich tradition of baseball to the residents of Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region."

As one of the largest and internationally renowned competitions in Asia, the Tournament has just been awarded the prestigious "M" Mark1 by Hong Kong SAR Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, marking a milestone for the Hong Kong Little League and baseball in Hong Kong.

To help the Hong Kong community further appreciate baseball and the fun of the sports, the Resort organized three baseball clinics for underprivileged children after the Opening Ceremony.

Under the expert tutorage of three Major League Baseball envoy coaches, 90 enthusiastic children were given a professional introduction to the basics of baseball. In addition to learning how to run bases, catch, throw and bat, the coaches explained the philosophy and values of the sport to the children. The clinics marked a positive beginning to the week long tournament.

Tickets to the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament are free of charge. Members of the public can obtain tickets at the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at the MTR Hong Kong Station and each person can obtain a maximum of six tickets per day. Group tickets are available through the Hong Kong Little League, Guests can call (852) 2504 4007 / 2504 4009 or e-mail apt@hkll.org for more information.

Hong Kong Disneyland is providing free shuttle buses to and from the baseball fields and the Disneyland MTR stop. Further details of the shuttle service will be provided upon collection of the tournament tickets.

For more information about Hong Kong Disneyland or the 2008 Little League Asia Pacific Tournament, please visit our website or www.hkll.org.

1.  An "M" Mark Event Status means that a sports event should involve overseas athletes, attract significant public interest locally and overseas and be of international significance to the sport(s) concerned.


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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 are the world's largest organized youth sports programs, with nearly 2.7 million players and 1 million adult volunteers around the world.


About Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers immersive, unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy. Hong Kong is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney themed park and the many Disney characters that are beloved the world over, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear and many others. The Resort opened in September 2005 and since then, has received over 10 million guests from all over the world. Through the unique product offering and the world-class service provided by the 5000-strong Cast at the theme park and the two hotels, the Resort has received outstanding guest satisfaction ratings and a range of awards from the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to serving Hong Kong people through a wide spectrum of community services programs from helping those in need to encouraging the protection of the environment in the region.

Visit us or click on to our website for more information.

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