ISLAND-WIDE NEWS

Happenings & Events - Stuff to Know in October!

AWE’S HK$600 MILLION ANNIVERSARY PROJECT

To mark its 15th anniversary, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) has kickstarted a HK$600 million venue-wide renovation project aimed at further enhancing its world-class facilities. The project covers three important dimensions, namely technology and network advancements, hardware upgrades and smart solutions for sanitisation.

Spanning more than 70,000 square metres, the infrastructure enhancement programme has been designed to benefit future event organisers, exhibitors, concert performers and the general public. The project is targeted to complete in strategic phases over the coming five years to ensure there are no disruptions to daily operations.

In response to the challenges created by the pandemic, AWE is embracing a new era with the anniversary theme of ‘Change • Possibilities.’ This massive investment of time and money signifies AWE’s strong belief in a vibrant market recovery, and a new era of inspirational EXPOtainment events.

To enhance the confidence of organisers to hold events in Hong Kong, the government has extended its HK$1 billion Convention & Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme to June 30, 2022, offering exceptional subsidies to event organisers. International conventions can also enjoy a 100% venue rental subsidy for events with over 400 participants. Organisers with postponed events can benefit from this new subsidy by confirming their revised schedule within the promotional period, while organisers of new events can use it to kick-off inaugural shows at AWE.

AWE already has a number of big shows lined up for the coming months, including IMX HK, the International MotorXPO, December 1 to 5, and the Crazy New Year Sales Festival, December 30 to January 3, 2022. To find out more, visit www.asiaworld-expo.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF AWE.]

BARCLAYS MOONTREKKER 21 POWERED BY A CUSTOM-BUILT APP

Hong Kong’s leading over-night trail race Barclays MoonTrekker has gone virtual this year due to ongoing government restrictions, and the two-part, app-based competition is taking place from October 1 to 31.

The event traditionally runs over a single night in October, with the 1,000+ participants taking their pick between 30-kilometre and 43-kilometre night-time treks. Both races go up and over Lantau Peak, covering some of the steepest terrain in Hong Kong. The aim is to reach the finish at Pui O Beach before sunrise, either solo, as a pair or in a team of four.

This year, there’s one race distance only (25 kilometres), and competitors can attempt it as many times as they wish. Race attempts can only be started after 5pm from Mui Wo, with each runner’s best time saved on the leaderboard. The MoonTrekker team advises that participants complete all sections of the course at least twice during their training, and also incorporate night-hiking within their training programme.

Runners Train with a Virtual Buddy

Photos Courtesy of Barclays Moontrekker

For 2021, participants are required to train with a partner or ‘virtual buddy’ – someone who monitors them during their training hikes and race attempts. Virtual buddies should be in regular contact, and aware of each runner’s route and expected finish times.

During their training, participants will be given 1 MT Point for every kilometre they hike (on Lantau). A selection of additional hiking challenges have been set up enabling competitors to earn extra MT Points on or off Lantau. Aside from points, competitors also have the chance to win prizes for taking part.

THE IDEA IS TO RACE ALL NIGHT TO BEAT THE SUN

Photos Courtesy of Barclays Moontrekker

Traditionally, there are two ways to win MoonTrekker – you can do so by finishing first in your category, and/ or by raising the most funds. While fundraising is not mandatory this year, it is encouraged. On registering for the event, participants are urged to set-up a SimplyGiving fundraising page and raise sponsorship for MoonTrekker’s chosen charity The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global conservation organisation that works to protect ecologically important lands and waters.

To date, TNC’s dedicated supporters have been responsible for the conservation of thousands of miles of rivers, and the protection of millions of acres worldwide, including cross-border initiatives in the Coral Triangle and the forests of South East Asia. TNC is active here in Lantau through two key projects – oyster reef restoration and bio-diversity mapping. To find out more, visit www.barclaysmoontrekker.com.

Race Director William Sargent

Photos Courtesy of Barclays Moontrekker

VKB ADOPTION IS HOT CALENDAR

Villa Kunterbunt (VKB) Lantau Animal Rescue rescues and re-homes dogs and puppies of all breeds and ages. The VKB team relies on donations (food, towels, medical supplies, money, time), and has this year come up with a cute way to create awareness, raise funds and show that ‘pet adoption is hot.’

“The VKB Adoption is Hot Calendar 2022 features 12 really hot local guys and their adopted pups,” says Cindy Bouw of VKB. “We were inspired by the Australian firefighter calendars with the really athletic firefighters and their puppies… We found a photographer amongst our volunteers and a designer amongst our fosters. It was a real VKB operation.”

To make a HK$200 donation by purchasing a calendar, email receipts.vkbcalendars@gmail.com or head to https://docs.google. com/.../1mG7DTitElMPah4gmhibTzqt.../edit. Order through the link and answer the question – How many animals did VKB rescue in 2020? – for a chance to win a hamper delivered by one of the VKB models. Find opportunities for volunteering and adoption at the Villa Kunterbunt Lantau Facebook page. [PHOTO COURTESY OF VKB.]

Eye Candy for a Cause

Photo Courtesy of VKB

Villa Kunterbunt Lantau Adoption Calendar

Photo Courtesy of VKB

BBQ PIT BUFFET AT CAFÉ LANTAU

Inspired by the outdoor barbeque pits on Lantau’s trails and beaches, the all-you-can-eat, indoor BBQ Pit Buffet at Cafe Lantau, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung pays homage to the most casual of Hong Kong dining occasions, while elevating it to delicious new levels.

Local favourites include honey-glazed free-range chicken wings and Lam Cheong Kee fish balls with Sakura, plus a selection of vegetable skewers, corn on the cob and baked sweet potato. International grills on offer include free-range Iberico Pork Pluma and USDA choice beef flank and foie gras, plus artisan frankfurters and the chef’s special BBQ mussels and clams marinated in Young Masters Pilsner.

To make a reservation for lunch or dinner, call 2535 0021.

Best Barbie in Town

PHOTO COURTESY OF Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung

EMILY’S KINDNESS CARDS

A little project with a big heart, Emily’s Kindness Cards enables volunteers to send cards, letters or drawings to people who are alone in hospital or chronically ill, and it provides a space for those in need of such kindnesses to ask for it. “However small the gesture may seem, these cards can be a lifeline for people,” says Tung Chung resident Michelle Parsons, whose mother Emily came up with the idea in March this year shortly after being diagnosed with colon cancer. “We saw so many people in hospital who were alone on their journey; we wanted to reach out to them with some support and love,” Michelle adds.

Emily sadly passed away in July but Michelle is continuing to give back. To get involved, head to the Emilys-Kindness-Cards Facebook page.

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Photo Courtesy of Michelle Parsons