News – 2018 Jun

 

港隊遠征庫克群島出戰「世界盃2019」次輪外圍賽

[2018年6月28日,香港]:港隊於本週六將出戰「世界盃2019」次輪外圍賽,港隊先以作客身份挑戰庫克群島,再於下星期六在回師主場迎戰對手。

此輪的勝方將可參加11月在法國舉行的四隊制「終極外圍賽」,勝出隊伍將獲得明年於日本舉行的「世界盃」入場劵。

港隊於星期三晚到埗,督軍利鍾斯(Leigh Jones)說:「這場將會是香港欖球史上最重要的一役。」

香港在「亞洲欖球錦標賽」以全勝姿態奪冠參加「世界盃2019」次輪外圍賽,港隊要長途跋涉25小時才抵達當地,對於球員身心也是一個挑戰。

他續道:「我們已經準備好今趟作客之旅,不過時差才是我們的最大敵人,庫克群島比香港慢18小時,球員需盡快適應時差問題。」

「完成此役後7日後再戰對手,屆時我們便有主場優勢。」

精英十五人欖球計劃運動體能訓練總監戴樂克(Luke Davey)與球隊一同前往庫克群島,以便與教練團及隊醫合作,希望能夠令球員有更好表現。

利氏說:「戴樂克與教練團已計劃了主客兩戰的安排,我們希望在首戰能夠取得優勢,令主場出擊時可以更輕鬆。」

港隊在奧克蘭停留10小時待轉機,這10小時港隊借用從2015年開始與港隊合作的族長隊 (Gallagher Chiefs)的設施操練。利鍾斯說:「非常感激族長隊對我們的支援,特別感謝族長隊高水平經理田渡(Chris Tindall)及心理質素及領導才能培訓教練基巴夫(Dave Galbraith)的幫忙。」

賽事將於當地星期六下午3時(即是香港星期日早上9時) 開始,利氏道:「球隊在過往三週已調整好生理時鐘,我們特意安排在早上7時訓練,希望令球員能夠適應。」利鍾斯滿意球隊的狀態說:「球隊完成『亞洲欖球錦標賽』後有一星期休息,之後操練兩至三星期出戰此役,對己方而言時間是非常理想。」

由於有部分球員有傷在身,因此利鍾斯今次帶了25名球員到庫克群島,他說:「雖然比賽只需安排23人上陣,但是途程時間長難以估計球員的狀況,所以多帶2位球員會比較安全。」

前20歲以下代表隊球員普斯(Alexander Post)有可能取代受傷的羅拔斯(Ben Roberts)上陣,普斯於去年已取得港隊喼帽,今次將有機會再顯身手。

利鍾斯道:「我們已選出最佳陣容出戰,球員在最近的訓練中有良好的表現。」「雖然球隊有8至10名傷兵,但我們有足夠兵源應付。」

庫克群島在大洋洲外圍賽被大溪地擊敗,不過賽後大溪地被發現派出不符合資格球員上陣,所以庫克群島便自動獲勝。

利鍾斯道:「我們已搜集了對手的資料,他們有球員在法國職業聯賽比賽,實力不容忽視。庫克群島的前線比較強,己方需要多加留意。」

他續道:「首回合在作客情況必需小心行事,球隊需要打出賽前部署,並需要有紀律地防守,盡量減少失誤,這才可以為次回合取得優勢。」

庫克群島現時世界排名54,而香港則排21名,只要港隊戰勝庫克群島便有機會歷史性躋身世界排名前20名。

香港對庫克群島名單 :

根寧咸(James CUNNINGHAM) ©, 丹巴路(Daniel BARLOW), Jamie TSANG, 戴倫羅渣士(Dylan ROGERS), 迪拿科斯(Jack DELAFORCE) , 曉臣(Nicholas HEWSON), 芬尼(Toby FENN), 林保利(Thomas LAMBOLEY), 史尼譚(Liam SLATEM), 羅斯尼(Matthew ROSSLEE), 姚錦成, 禾獲特(Max WOODWARD), 利維尼(Jack NEVILLE), 赫尼(Conor HARTLEY), 賀迪(Jamie HOOD), 普斯(Alexander POST), 富加比(Adam FULLGRABE), 積克柏飛迪(Jack PARFITT), 米高柏飛迪(Michael PARFITT), 保確迪(Kane BOUCAUT), 皮爾邦迪(Cris PIERREPONT), 朗達(Jamie LAUDER), 丹馬克 (Max DENMARK), 羅拔斯(Benjamin ROBERTS), 卡力加(Lex KALECA)

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ HKRU)

 

「撐香港體壇精英」全港學界微電影比賽2018工作坊現已接受報名

「撐香港體壇精英」全港學界微電影比賽2018現正接受大專和中學學生報名。大會於6月30日上午及7月1日下午將安排兩場工作坊,免費開放予同學參加,屆時會分別有兩名精英運動員劉慕裳 (空手道)和歐詠芝 (壁球)向各位分享運動員生涯點滴,有興趣參與工作坊的同學可在以下網址登記https://goo.gl/forms/CIvo23UFicztPzRy2。

工作坊內容:
– 從構思到拍攝: 製作體育節目的過程
– 採訪運動員的秘訣
– 如何有效創作故事
– 剪片和後期製作的重要性
– 配樂的威力

此外,一眾香港精英運動員拍攝短片宣傳「撐香港體壇精英」全港學界微電影比賽,歡迎各媒體轉載以下短片,如轉載時請加上#「撐香港體壇精英」全港學界微電影比賽及加上影片來源:香港體育學院 。

劉知名和劉慕裳


林衍聰和林衍蕙

吳安儀、溫家琪和葉蘊妍
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1axcsGbjgQf1bI3uUMpsU16AmlvOgx5O5/view?usp=sharing

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ 香港體育學院)

 

「屈臣氏集團香港學生運動員獎」  嘉許932名傑出學生運動員   亞洲車神黃金寶、鐵血女車神黃蘊瑤勉勵體壇新秀「搏盡無悔」 追逐夢想 !

【香港:2018年6月18日】第十三屆「屈臣氏集團香港學生運動員獎」頒獎典禮今日假伊利沙伯體育館舉行。獎項是香港青年體壇的年度盛事,自2005年創立至今,以「每校一獎」形式,肯定學生運動員所付出的努力,亦希望透過得獎同學為學校注入更多正能量,並積極推動校內體育文化。獎項今年嘉許了932名傑出學生運動員,參與的中學、小學及特殊學校佔全港學校數目超過八成半。至今共超過 11,000位學生獲得此項殊榮。

大會今年頒獎禮邀得教育局局長楊潤雄太平紳士、民政事務局體育專員楊德強先生及港協暨奧委會奧夢成真計劃項目發展幹事及資深運動員黃金寶先生,一起嘉勉香港體壇的明日之星。今年的「香港學生運動員獎」以「搏盡無悔」為主題,搏盡無悔是每個追夢者的精神,藉以鼓勵各得獎學生追求屬於自己的理想,放膽於體壇振翅高飛!

大會更邀得人稱「鐵血女車神」的2013年世界盃場地單車女子記分賽銅牌得獎者黃蘊瑤小姐亦出席,與一眾得獎學生分享她在體壇搏盡無悔的故事,鼓勵學生全力以赴,爭取佳績。

屈臣氏集團董事總經理黎啟明先生於典禮中表示:「『屈臣氏集團香港學生運動員獎』已踏入第十三年,而今年得獎學生的人數達932人,已獲得全港超過八成半學校踴躍響應,是學界最大型運動員嘉許計劃之一。看到學校對學生參與運動的支持,實在令人鼓舞。」

黎氏續說:「適逢今年四年一度的亞洲運動會將於8月中在印尼雅加達巨港舉行,共45個國家及地區參賽,競逐37個比賽項目。香港學生運動員師兄師姐如香港『體操王子』石偉雄及『滑浪風帆』盧善曾於2014年仁川亞運會中為香港奪得佳績。知道在座有部份同學亦即將代表香港出戰,我希望同學們能好好把握這次機會,在運動舞台上活出『Yes I can!我敢創未來!』的精神,一起為香港出一分力。」

教育局局長楊潤雄太平紳士表示:「屈臣氏集團每年都舉辦這項活動,除了對學生在運動方面的表現作出肯定,更重要是鼓勵青少年多參與有益身心的體育活動,從而建立活躍及健康的生活方式,實在為學界作出重大貢獻。」

民政事務局體育專員楊德強先生於典禮中亦表示:「政府致力推動體育發展,並為運動員提供全面支援,協助他們爭取佳績。現時多所大學和中學都提供彈性課程,協助運動員在體育和學業雙線發展。我希望今日獲獎的同學繼續發展自己的興趣和潛能,追求卓越,努力向自己的理想和目標進發。」

港協暨奧委會奧夢成真計劃項目發展幹事及資深運動員黃金寶先生今日更以大師兄的身份勉勵一眾得獎學生:「面對困難和挑戰,我們以搏盡無悔心態好好裝備自己,等待機會,遇到挑戰便全力以赴向目標前進,趁年輕勇於追尋自己的夢想。」

另外,人稱「鐵血女車神」的2013年世界盃場地單車女子記分賽銅牌得獎者黃蘊瑤小姐亦藉此機會與獎學生運動員分享了她的奮鬥歷程:「遇到困難千萬不要退縮,只要憑著運動員的精神及意志,我們必定可以一步一步向夢想進發。我們要堅持『搏盡無悔』的信念,勇於嘗試,為自己人生寫下值得驕傲的一頁。」

(資料來源: 屈臣氏集團公共關係部)

 

Hong Kong’s Motin Yeung wins three-way playoff at Kunming Championship     Yeung sinks 10-foot birdie putt to deny England’s Callum Tarren and American Joseph Gunerman

KUNMING, YUNNAN, CHINA—Motin Yeung became the first Hong Kong player to win a PGA TOUR Series-China title when he triumphed in a three-way playoff at the RMB 1.5 million Kunming Championship, the sixth event of this year’s PGA TOUR Series-China.

Yeung, 24, sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole to deny Callum Tarren, who led after the first two rounds and was hoping to become the Tour’s first English winner, and American Joseph Gunerman, the joint 54-hole leader with Canada’s Richard Jung.

Yeung and Tarren, 27, played in the penultimate group and both shot 6-under 65 to set the clubhouse lead at 19-under. Gunerman, 25, then joined the pair with a 67 that featured an eagle at the par-5 16th.

American Charlie Saxon, the Order of Merit leader, and Japan’s Taihei Sato each shot 63 to tie for fourth at 18-under, one ahead of Singapore’s Quincy Quek (62) and Australia’s Deyen Lawson (66). Australia’s Max McCardle (68), New Zealand’s Luke Toomey (62) and Italy’s Aron Zemmer (65) were eighth at 16-under, one stroke ahead of Singapore’s Jesse Yap (66).

Yeung, 24, was thrilled to win with his girlfriend and friends in the stands, having secured his place in the playoff with a third successive 65. After failing to record a birdie in his first 12 holes on Thursday, he birdied 27 of his last 60 holes in regulation – plus the first extra hole.

It was a sensational performance by Yeung, who didn’t earn any status at Q-School in February. In March, he progressed through a Monday qualifier at the Tour’s second event, finishing joint-14th in Chongqing before two more top-20 finishes helped him earn his place in four straight events.

“This means so much to me because I didn’t even have any status on this Tour before this and now I’m finally a member so it feels amazing,” said an emotional Yeung, who was competing in Kunming on a sponsor invite and now has a full card through next year because of the victory.

Born and raised in Beijing, Yeung moved to Orlando in 2006 when he was 12 before playing college golf at Duke University from 2012 to 2016.

Since turning pro in September 2016, Yeung has not won a tournament and his previous best result on this year’s Tour was a tie for sixth at last month’s Haikou Championship, but he kept his cool in the playoff to beat two more seasoned pros.

“I said I want to hit driver and go for it, but then I saw Gunerman hit the ball OB (out of bounds). The wind was going right to left, so I decided to just play smart because Callum was on the fairway already. I decided I was just going to have a wedge competition with him,” said Yeung, who hit his second shot to 10 feet before celebrating wildly after holing his putt.

“I missed a lot of short putts and putting wasn’t my strength this week, so I was a little nervous. I just aimed where I think I needed to aim and hit the putt. I tried not to think too much.”

Gunerman, 25, was bogey free for his last three rounds plus the last four holes on the first day, and said he was happy with his final 18 holes in regulation, which included two birdies and an eagle.

“Today was my third consecutive day with no bogeys so I played really well, but I was just a couple of putts short out there. I’m proud of the way I played, I have no complaints,” said Gunerman.

“In the playoff, it was the same winds in the practice round where I hit a driver to 8 feet, so I told myself it would be a great win for me if I could knock the driver on the green and put tons of pressure on the other guys. I didn’t pull it off, but I played to win and you don’t always pull it off. I wouldn’t do it any different; I always play to win.”

After a ‘disappointing’ third round, Tarren carded a bogey-free round that featured six birdies, including four in a row from No. 11, before finishing runner-up for the second time this season and for the fifth time on the Tour.

“I’m upset not to get the win, but I’m going to keep knocking on the door,” said Tarren, who, like Gunerman, started competing on the Tour in 2016.

Every tournament on this year’s PGA TOUR Series-China offers RMB 1.5 million, a 25-percent increase over purse levels from 2016.

The PGA TOUR established PGA TOUR Series-China in 2014 as its third international developmental tour, following in the footsteps of PGA TOUR Latinoamerica and the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada. Since its inception, PGA TOUR Series-China players have received Official World Golf Ranking points for top finishes at official tournaments.

Final-Round Leaderboard  (Kunming Championship)

Pos. Name Scores
1 Motin Yeung (HKG)* 70-65-65-65—265 (-19)
T2 Callum Tarren (ENG) 63-67-70-65—265 (-19)
T2 Joseph Gunerman (USA) 65-67-66-67—265 (-19)
T4 Charlie Saxon (USA) 69-68-66-63—266 (-18)
T4 Taihei Sato (JPN) 66-68-69-63—266 (-18)
T6 Quincy Quek (SIN) 64-72-69-62—267 (-17)
T6 Deyen Lawson (AUS) 69-68-64-66—267 (-17)
T8 Luke Toomey (NZL) 71-65-70-62—268 (-16)
T8 Aron Zemmer (ITA) 65-70-68-65—268 (-16)
T8 Max McCardle (AUS) 65-70-65-68—268 (-16)

* Won with birdie at first extra hole of playoff

(Source: PGA TOUR Series-China / Zhuang Liu)

 

2018雅加達巨港亞運會 電子體育項目亞洲預選賽新聞發佈會    電競首獲納入亞運比賽正式表演項目    助港發展經濟效益

(2018年6月12日,香港) 亞洲電子體育聯合會 (簡稱:亞電體聯) Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) 籌辦「2018雅加達巨港亞運會 電子體育項目亞洲預選賽新聞發佈會」已於今日假灣仔協成行灣仔中心1樓英皇娛樂演藝創意學院圓滿舉行。

出席嘉賓包括亞洲電子體育聯合會主席霍啟剛先生、香港特區政府民政事務局首席助理秘書長 (康樂及體育) 1鄭青雲先生、中國香港體育協會暨奧林匹克委員會副會長劉掌珠女士、立法會議員葛珮帆女士、香港電競總會會長楊全盛先生、香港電競總會主席周啟康先生、英皇電競代表、騰訊控股有限公司代表、科樂美株式會社代表等。

亞電體聯承辦是次賽事,並於全亞洲地區舉行區域資格賽選拔出戰亞運會的選手。作為東亞賽區的主賽場,香港現正進行資格賽,各地選手雲集為求爭取出線資格。亞電體聯主席霍啟剛先生表示:「本會將大力支持電子體育運動的發展,推動電子體育職業的進程,並在未來的工作中致力於讓電子體育走上奧運會的舞台,提升電子體育在全世界人民心中的地位。電子競技以往一般都被視為消閒活動,但隨著時代的變遷電子競技已發展成電子體育,強調智力、策略、反應及團隊合作。有別於傳統的電子競技,電子體育有專門的比賽規則、專業的器材和場地。是次印尼亞運會正式表演賽是電子體育歷史上的一個大躍進,並為電子體育於2022年杭州亞運會成為正式項目而打下穩固的基礎。」

是次電子體育項目亞洲預選賽有27個國家及地區報名,以比賽項目「英雄聯盟」在東亞的資格賽為例,已分別有中國香港,日本、韓國等合共6個隊伍參賽,競逐3個8強席位。2018雅加達巨港亞運會電子體育比賽將由8隊不同國家與地區的代表出戰,其中7隊是從亞洲區預選賽選拔出來,主辦國印尼則會在各項遊戲的8隊自動佔一席位。亞洲區資格賽主要在東亞、南亞、中亞、西亞及東南亞五個地區舉行,每個國家要爭取到每區的特定名額,才可以參與亞運。

在2017年,亞洲奧林匹克理事會 (OCA) 正式宣布電子體育有望於2022年杭州亞洲運動會成為正式比賽,並於2018的印尼雅加達亞運會上被列為「示範項目」。香港政府亦通過財政預算案中撥款一億港幣用以支持香港電子體育的全面發展,為電子體育比賽提供場地,支援業界發展技術和人才培訓等,以推動電子體育的發展。電子體育具經濟價值與發展潛力並帶來可觀的經濟效益,包括售賣門票、贊助、廣告以及直播和轉播等範疇,亦能推動相關產業,如遊戲軟件開發及電腦硬件生產等。

亞電體聯為亞洲奧林匹克理事會認可的洲際性體育聯會主管,及推動該區之電子體育項目的單位。2018雅加達巨港亞運會將於2018年8月18日至9月2日在印尼舉行,電子體育項目將作為新興體育項目首次以表演比賽的形式呈現,届时會呈現給全亞洲體育迷一場視聽盛宴。

(資料來源: 天機公關及推廣顧問有限公司/ 亞洲電子體育聯合會)

 

Di Grassi claims first win of season on streets of Zurich

Reigning champion Lucas di Grassi picks up first win of the season as Sam Bird reduces gap to Jean-Eric Vergne in title fight
Lucas Di Grassi (BRA), Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, Audi e-tron FE04, wins the Zurich ePrix.
‘We have been very unlucky in the first half of this season and now the luck has turned – five consecutive podiums, which I think is a record. To win in Zurich is the cherry on the cake.’
Lucas di Grassi
Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND (June 10, 2018) – Reigning champion Lucas di Grassi climbed from fifth on the grid to secure his first win of the 2017/18 ABB FIA Formula E Championship and mark a momentous victory on the return of circuit racing to Switzerland in over six decades.
The Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler driver stood on the top of the podium at the Julius Baer Zurich E-Prix and became the first winner of a single-seater race in Switzerland since Juan Manuel Fangio in Bremgarten in 1954.
Di Grassi made his move during the first stint of the race after narrowly missing out on super pole in qualifying. The Brazilian picked off the leading pack one-by-one over the course of the opening period of the race – crucially taking the lead from Mitch Evans approaching the mid-race car swaps and held station to the chequered flag.
DS Virgin Racing’s Sam Bird kept his championship hopes alive with second place and a sixth podium finish of the season. Bird started the race as the only realistic contender to table-topper Jean-Eric Vergne and needed desperately to reduce the 40-point gap.
With Vergne struggling in qualifying, as well as serving a drive-through for speeding under Full Course Yellow, Bird seized the opportunity and now sits 23 points adrift heading into the season finale double-header in New York.
The TECHEETAH driver started on the back foot and couldn’t find the speed in qualifying, lining-up in 17th – Vergne’s lowest starting position since Punta del Este in 2015. Despite the troubles, he made progress prior to changing cars and jumped seven places in the opening nine laps.
Vergne drew alongside Felix Rosenqvist on the main straight and put a move on the Mahindra driver into the tight Turn 1. The Swede ran out of road and went into the barrier on the outside of the first corner, but managed to return to the garage and left debris across the track.
As Vergne was tussling with Jerome D’Ambrosio – and lapping Rosenqvist – the Frenchman drove over the rear wing of the Mahindra, which was followed by a Full Course Yellow to clean the section between Turns 2 and 3.
The caution period led to the majority of the field coming into the pits – to reduce the impact of the time spent swapping cars – but a slow pit-stop dropped Vergne down the order forcing him to mount yet another fightback. However, his move through the pack was short-lived after being handed the aforementioned penalty.
Di Grassi and Bird were joined on the podium by Jerome D’Ambrosio – signalling the first time the Belgian has stood on the podium since 2016 in Battersea Park. D’Ambrosio benefitted from a host of drivers also being penalised, but showed the renewed pace of the DRAGON outfit.
Vergne wasn’t the only driver to fall foul of speeding under Full Course Yellow – with Evans, Andre Lotterer, Jose Maria Lopez and Sebastien Buemi also being hit with drive-through penalties.
Lotterer, who started on the front row, crossed the line in fourth and also claimed the extra point for Visa fastest lap. Former champion and local favourite Buemi ended-up in fifth – passing thousands of adoring fans lining the streets in Zurich on his cool down lap.
Mahindra Racing’s Nick Heidfeld earned his best finish of the season since a podium place in Hong Kong with sixth. Evans, who secured the first-ever Julius Baer pole position for Panasonic Jaguar Racing, could only manage seventh after also losing time passing through the pitlane.
Antonio Felix da Costa progressed from 15th to eighth to finish ahead of Oliver Turvey in ninth, with Vergne picking up the final point in 10th – how crucial could that point be at the end of the season?
As the season draws to a close, Formula E heads across the Atlantic to the Big Apple for the second time. The fully-electric Formula E cars will once again race in Brooklyn against the backdrop of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty for the final two rounds of the 2017/18 ABB FIA Formula E Championship – the Qatar Airways New York City E-Prix.
QUOTES
Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, said: “The weekend was amazing and the event here was fantastic. You could hear the huge number of people cheering all over the track. I tried to save a bit more energy in the first half of the first stint, and then managed to overtake the next three cars – I was a little bit lucky to overtake Mitch just before the Full Course Yellow. We did the car swap and came back out in the lead and then they all got a drive-through. Then it was pretty much about managing the gap to Sam. We’ve been very unlucky in the first half of this season and now the luck has turned – five consecutive podiums, which I think is a record. To win in Zurich is the cherry on the cake.”
Sam Bird, DS Virgin Racing, said: “I was disappointed after qualifying, as I felt we had a missed opportunity to get three extra points for pole – the first two-thirds of the lap was some of the best I’ve driven and I threw it away in the chicane. We settled into a rhythm in the race and it’s become apparent that I have to lift more than the people around me. That’s just the way it is – but we’ve got ourselves in this fantastic position in the title fight, and scored second place today – with a little bit of luck I have to say. We can fight in New York and we know what happened there last year… I need to beat him in the first race and put the pressure on. If I can do that, then we’ll see!”
Jerome D’Ambrosio, DRAGON, said: “We had a good qualifying in Paris, in Berlin and again today – that’s gone a long way to allowing me to have a result like today, which was very important for the team. Formula E is about consistency and putting everything together. There is a tremendous amount of work for the driver in the car, we have to take into account many things – you just have to be on top of everything and that’s part of being a good driver in this series.”

(Source: FIA Formula E)

 

FORMULA E AND FIA RELEASE DETAILS ON NEW RACE FORMAT AND CALENDAR FOR SEASON FIVE

Radical change to race format sees split power modes on offer creating additional strategic element and unpredictable racing

Nico Rosberg, Formula 1 World Champion and Formula E investor, drives the Formula E track car.

‘THE ABB FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP HAS ALWAYS PRODUCED HIGHLY-COMPETITIVE AND UNPREDICTABLE RACING. THE NEW FORMAT FOR SEASON FIVE WILL ADD AN EXTRA STRATEGIC ELEMENT AND CONTINUE TO OFFER INTENSE AND EXCITING RACING.’
Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (June 7, 2018) – Formula E and the FIA have today revealed the calendar for the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship, as well as details on the new race format and split power modes on offer alongside the new-look next generation car in season five.

The calendar was published following the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting in Manila and features 13 races in 12 cities across four continents – starting in Ad Diriyah with the debut of Formula E in the Middle East on December 15 and coming to a close in New York with a double-header on July 13 and 14.

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship returns to a number of existing venues and locations including Marrakesh, Mexico City and Hong Kong, which moves to a later date in March. Together with events in Africa, Asia and North America – next season also sees the introduction of the newly-titled voestalpine European races.

Formula E cars will tackle a number of cities spanning the continent, with the European leg comprising of races in Rome, Paris, Berlin and Zurich, in addition to visiting the streets of Monaco for a third time on May 11 – appearing on the calendar on a bi-annual basis.

The FIA also released more details on changes to the race format taking into account the increased power and energy storage capacity of the Gen2 car for the coming season, which can complete a full race distance without the need to make a mid-race car swap.

In a bid to promote a mixture of strategic options, as well as further enhancing and retaining the intense and unpredictable nature of Formula E races, it will be mandatory for drivers to use two different power modes over a race distance.

Drivers will be able to access 225kW of power in a higher mode – as opposed to the standard 200kW available during the race – once they’ve passed through a single activation zone. The activation zone will be clearly visible and marked out on the circuit for fans trackside and those watching on TV. The two power modes on each car will be indicated using different colours on the innovative LED system on the halo head protection device.

The exact number of individual uses and relative duration of the higher power mode will vary at each event and will be determined by the FIA. It will be at the discretion of the teams and drivers when to activate the higher power mode throughout the race within the limits set by the FIA.

Drivers will also be able to activate FANBOOST – the unique interactive voting mechanism that allows three drivers to receive extra energy – only when the cars are running on a higher power mode, taking the maximum power available to 250kW.

Other alterations for season five include changes to the number of cars making it through to the super pole shoot-out, in order to accommodate the larger grid of 22 cars. The new qualifying format now sees the top-six fastest drivers after the group stages battle it out to secure Julius Baer pole position.

Race distances will no longer be measured using a pre-defined number of laps, but will instead run to a strict time limit of 45-minutes plus one lap to reach the chequered flag. The prize for fastest lap will also be replaced, with points being awarded to the most efficient driver classified in the top-five positions – rewarding the driver who has used the least amount of energy.

Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “The ABB FIA Formula E Championship has always produced highly-competitive and unpredictable racing. Formula E is synonymous with innovation and pioneering technology – that’s exactly what we’ll be seeing again next season with the step-up in performance and efficiency of the futuristic next generation car, as well as trialling unique and radical concepts to usher in a new era of Formula E. The new format and split levels of power being introduced for season five will add an extra strategic element and continue to offer intense and exciting competition between some of the most talented drivers and biggest brands in motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing the new cars and format in action against the backdrop of iconic city skylines – starting in Ad Diriyah in December.”

2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship

Round City Country Date
1 Ad Diriyah* Saudi Arabia December 15, 2018
2 Marrakesh Morocco January 12, 2019
3 TBA TBA January 26, 2019
4 Mexico City Mexico February 16, 2019
5 Hong Kong China March 10, 2019
6 TBA China March 23, 2019
7 Rome Italy April 13, 2019
8 Paris France April 27, 2019
9 Monaco* Monaco May 11, 2019
10 Berlin Germany May 25, 2019
11 Zurich** Switzerland June 9, 2019
12 New York City USA July 13, 2019
13 New York City USA July 14, 2019

*Subject to circuit homologation

** Subject to ASN approval, circuit homologation and final approval of the city

(Source: FIA Formula E)

 

賽馬會優秀運動員獎勵計劃–撐香港體壇精英」x「2018理大時裝展」   精英運動員化身時裝模特兒行天橋騷

5位正積極準備亞洲運動會和其他國際賽事的香港精英運動員,包括李嘉維(空手道)、蔡欣妍和羅亮添(三項鐵人),以及陳芊藍和鄺曉晴(滑冰),在今天假香港會議展覽中心舉行、由香港理工大學(理大)紡織及服裝學系舉辦的「2018理大時裝展」擔任特別環節模特兒,大膽作出運動以外的新嘗試,展示另一面才華。

這次活動是理大紡織及服裝學系與香港體育學院(體院)「撐香港體壇精英」的首次合作,亦是該學系的年度盛事,讓應屆畢業生展現設計創意和才華;而「撐香港體壇精英」則為「賽馬會優秀運動員獎勵計劃」推廣活動之一,旨在提高普羅大眾對香港運動員的認知度,以及在香港宣揚運動家精神和發揮正能量。

今年的特別環節由理大紡織及服裝學系校友 ─ 時裝設計師陳進傑先生(Derek)和造型師李詠端女士(Constance),為上述5位香港精英運動員打造成令人刮目相看的型男型女,讓他們以獨特造型與其他專業模特兒一同踏上時裝舞台。

花樣滑冰選手陳芊藍和鄺曉晴以拍檔形式出場為表演打頭陣,她們齊聲表示:「我們穿上兩套設計相近、顏色對比強烈的服裝出場,需要在舞台上互相配合步伐。幸好我們自小就一起訓練,是默契不錯的好朋友,所以算是相當合拍呢!我們希望可以為觀眾留下深刻的印象,並讓更多人認識花樣滑冰運動員及其他香港運動員。」

香港三項鐵人代表蔡欣妍和羅亮添對這次合作環節表示讚嘆,蔡欣妍興奮地表示:「全賴『賽馬會優秀運動員獎勵計劃』的特別安排,讓我能夠參與這場有超過2,000名觀眾的時裝展,整個表演都很完美,無論場地、舞台及佈置都很出色,令我大開眼界!」

即將遠征歐洲以備戰亞運的羅亮添亦有深刻感受,他說:「我很感激設計師和造型師為我打造一個全新形象,當日我試身的時候,已經對一身服飾感到非常滿意。穿上衣服和飾物後,更感覺變身成為另一個人,為我在全力備戰亞運期間帶來一個全新體驗。」

兩屆亞運獎牌得主、香港空手道運動員李嘉維表示:「我很榮幸能夠親身參與這一場特別的表演,這是一個不一樣的舞台,與比賽場館截然不同!我很感謝『賽馬會優秀運動員獎勵計劃』讓我有機會在觀眾面前表現運動家精神,以至運動以外的才華!」

體院於一九九四年推出「優秀運動員獎勵計劃」,旨在向於大型運動會獲獎牌的本地運動員提供現金獎勵,以示鼓勵,並對運動員的努力和貢獻予以表揚及肯定。香港賽馬會慈善信託基金冠名贊助此計劃,向在六大運動會包括奧林匹克運動會、殘疾人奧林匹克運動會、亞洲運動會、亞洲殘疾人運動會、全國運動會及世界大學生運動會中表現傑出的香港運動員頒發獎金。

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ 香港體育學院)

 

美國探索傳播公司與美巡賽   攜手開創史無前例之國際高爾夫服務

– 從2019年起開展前所未有的12年合作,包括美國以外全球性多平台直播版權,涵蓋全部美巡賽媒體產權 *

– 發展全新美巡賽品牌OTT視頻串流服務,透過不同的平台及裝置,與全球高爾夫球迷建立緊密關係

– 優質高爾夫內容,超過40場美巡賽事,包括球員錦標賽、聯邦快遞盃季後賽及總統盃

紐約、倫敦(2018年6月4日)- 美國探索傳播公司(「探索傳播」)與美巡賽今天共同宣佈一個合作計劃,雙方將開拓戰略聯盟,建立全球高爾夫的新家園;將高球運動最激動人心的時刻、球員及賽事,透過不同的平台及裝置帶給全世界的球迷,燃起球迷的激情。聯盟務求為全球高球運動帶來效益,帶動全球高爾夫球迷,讓這項運動在世界各地持續成長。

從2019年起,雙方將開展前所未有的12年合作計劃,包括美國以外全球性多平台直播版權,涵蓋全部美巡賽的媒體產權,包含美巡賽旗下的6個巡迴賽、每年超過140場賽事,囊括球員錦標賽、聯邦快遞盃季後賽及總統盃等大型賽事。

除了遍及219個市場地區的直播權外,聯盟還將開展獨有的全新美巡賽品牌OTT視頻串流服務,該服務將利用「探索傳播」直接面向觀眾的營銷模式Eurosport Player作為平台。「探索傳播」預計將投資超過20億美元到整個聯盟合作過程中,以獲取美巡賽國際媒體版權、建立全球性的OTT平台,服務美國以外的觀眾。每年的投資將在整個合作協議期間逐步增加。

傳承自其世界級的廣播,「探索傳播」與美巡賽將會聯同全球領先的廣播商及分銷平台,將美巡賽事的精彩內容帶給全世界的觀眾;透過「探索傳播」旗下的收費電視、免費頻道、數碼及短片等平台,充份利用美巡賽不同媒體平台上豐富的非直播及版權收藏影片,開拓更多市場的機遇。

「探索傳播」主席兼行政總裁大衛薩斯拉夫表示:「今天對於全球的高爾夫球迷來說都是難忘的一天,『探索傳播』很自豪地與美巡賽達成合作協議,共同創造從來沒有人做過的事情。這次美巡賽與『探索傳播』的長期合作關係,將為球迷建立全球性高爾夫的新家園;透過『探索傳播』及『歐洲體育』(Eurosport)遍及全球的廣播頻道,包括電視、流動及數碼平台,將這項享負盛名運動的偉大時刻、故事及球員帶給觀眾。承接我們首次在平昌奧運會的成功,『探索傳播』將投入其強大的全球影響力、市場關係、全球運動專才、電視及直接面向觀眾的強大平台與品牌,在美國以外的每個市場創造出具價值的長遠產品。」

美巡賽專員傑伊莫納漢指出:「對於美巡賽而言,這是令人興奮的下一步。能夠擁有如此經驗豐富的全球策略性伙伴,將為我們帶來龐大的機會,讓我們加速擴展媒體業務,更能滿足我們國際廣播伙伴的需要,從而帶動全球高爾夫球迷的增長。是次合作聯同近年於倫敦、東京和北京新設的辦公室,將完美支援我們的長期目標:推廣高爾夫球運動。同時,我們的贊助商將得到龐大的機遇去接觸世界各地廣泛的新觀眾,絕對能帶來更多價值效益。」

自2007年起,美巡賽開始自行與美國以外的廣播商洽談版權協議。是次「探索傳播」與美巡賽結成聯盟,雙方將憑藉各自的專長,管理國際多平台的轉播權,並推出全新的數碼服務。雙方的合作預期可建基於穩固的國際經銷及廣播伙伴策略,透過免費頻道、收費電視及數碼平台觸及更多觀眾,呈獻最享負盛名的高爾夫球賽事,網羅世界上最佳的高爾夫球員。

是次合作讓兩個相輔相成、擁有豐厚體育傳統的國際品牌走在一起:將擁有豐富內容、製作資產、媒體版權和與全球媒體伙伴良好關係的美巡賽,與「探索傳播」這個擁有深厚專業、與全球各地媒體市場關係良好,加上善用多平台將最受歡迎體育盛事最大程度地帶給觀眾的媒體巨頭連繫在一起。

「探索傳播」的阿歷士卡普蘭將領導「探索傳播」與美巡賽的新合營項目,並出任主席兼總經理。卡普蘭原擔任「歐洲體育」數碼媒體國際商務部副總裁一職,期間他協助「歐洲體育」的D2C(直接面向消費者營銷)業務增長至超過100萬位用戶。在加入「探索傳播」之前,卡普蘭任職NBA全球媒體分銷部高級副總裁,負責全球D2C策略及業務運作;而在NBA之前,卡普蘭也曾在DIRECTV/AT&T公司任職10年,帶領該機構的DIRECTV Sports及管理收入與娛樂產品與服務。此外,美巡賽的泰亞利帕斯卡將出任高級副總裁兼分銷主管職位,至於完整管理團隊名單將於稍後再作公佈。

卡普蘭指出:「大衛薩斯拉夫與JB佩雷特將美巡賽高爾夫球賽的報道覆蓋率國際化帶到另一個層次,其高瞻遠矚絕對令人興奮。我們急不及待開展計劃,讓一切變成現實,並建立起世界級國際平台及長遠分銷策略。藉著與美巡賽傑出團隊的協作,在傑伊莫納漢及瑞克安達臣的領導下,我們將擁有良好機遇建立令人驚喜的產品,為球迷在不同的平台上提供他們喜愛的高爾夫內容。」

「探索傳播」對於管理全球體育版權、優化收視率與自家及伙伴平台曝光率方面都已展示出豐富的經驗。例如「探索傳播」擁有奧運會在歐洲的獨家轉播權,透過旗下領導體育品牌「歐洲體育」,利用電視和服務54個市場、歐洲最佳的OTT串流平台Eurosport Player ,全年無休地提供頂級、全面地區性的體育報道;「探索傳播」在國際體育版權及分銷事宜一直提供世界級專業技術,更擁有2018年到2024年間的共4屆奧運會**,歐洲大部份地區的電視及多媒體平台轉播權。

在2018年平昌冬季奧運會,「探索傳播」建立起超過40個免費廣播伙伴的合作關係,透過OTT串流服務將奧運會每一分鐘的片段帶給歐洲的觀眾。「探索傳播」更藉以創新社交媒體平台的合作搶攻年輕觀眾市場,例如首次在歐洲建立Snapchat與奧運會的合作關係。「探索傳播」創下奧運會電視及數碼平台收視率的紀錄,包括歐洲達63%人口促使透過「探索傳播」旗下的免費頻道、收費電視、數碼平台及其合作廣播伙伴的交流。

(資料來源: PGA TOUR Series-China)

 

香港首奪「亞洲欖球錦標賽」冠軍     兼取得「世界盃2019」次輪外圍賽資格

 [201864日,香港]港隊在「亞洲欖球錦標賽」最後一戰以39:5擊敗韓國以全勝姿態勇奪冠軍寶座,港隊並取得「世界盃2019」次輪外圍賽的資格。

香港在「亞洲欖球錦標賽」由2008年改制後首度高舉此項賽事的冠軍獎盃,並會在6月尾與大洋洲的庫克群島角力,該輪的勝方將可參加11月在法國舉行的四隊制「終極外圍賽」。

賽前港隊只需一分額外積分已經可以奪冠,但港隊督軍利鍾斯(Leigh Jones)希望球隊能夠以全勝為目標。

港隊在上半場表現積極,不斷狂攻對手,完半場時已有四次成功達陣獲得額外積分,錦標在半場時已是囊中物。

羅斯尼(Matt Rosslee)甫開賽便以罰球掀起勝利的序幕,戰至12分鐘憑前鋒線的推進,羅斯尼把握機會成功達陣,並親自命中附加罰球,比數拉開至10:0

之後史尼譚(Liam Slatem)個人表演,一己之力闖入虎穴達陣,羅斯尼附加罰球中鵠,主隊領先17:0

華將姚錦成在邊路突破,取得球隊第三記達陣,羅斯尼輕鬆射入附加罰球並領先對手24:0

韓國有球員被球證出示黃牌趕出場10分鐘,主隊在人數優勢下繼續狂攻對手,芬尼(Toby  Fenn)本以為取得第四個達陣,可惜球證要求使用視像裁判後判定達陣不成功。

港隊繼續向對方施壓,最終在完半場前由史尼譚獲得第四次達陣,再由羅斯尼順利命中附加罰球,此時港隊已遙遙領先至31:0

史尼譚和赫尼(Conor Hartley)在整個賽事中表現出色,二人均取得四次達陣,一同成為賽事的「達陣王」。

換邊後主隊再由羅斯尼的罰球再下一城,領先至34分。

韓國在5米獲得鬥牛機會,並由隊長為他們「破蛋」將比分改寫至5:34。最後主隊由朗達(Jamie Lauder)錦上添花,以39:5大勝對手。

利鍾斯賽後說:「球隊的表現非常好,把平時訓練的戰術在場上完美發揮。」

他續道:「能夠在主場首度奪冠感到得高興,加上球隊獲得『世界盃』次輪外圍賽資格,感覺實在太美妙。」「球隊會放假一星期,之後再開始備戰下輪的『世界盃』外圍賽。」

對於「世界盃」次輪外圍賽將面對對手庫克群島,利氏說:「己方對他們的打法並不熟識,我們需要做資料搜集後再部署戰術。」

利鍾斯說:「比賽將於下個月才進行,有利810名傷兵爭取時間休息,希望他們趕及在賽前傷癒復出,讓我們有更充裕的兵源迎戰庫克群島。」

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ HKRU)

 

港隊力爭在主場首度高舉「亞洲欖球錦標賽」錦標

 [201861日,香港]「亞洲欖球錦標賽」煞科戰將於星期六下午4時在香港足球會由香港及韓國攜手上演,港隊只要不敗便可勇奪冠軍及晉身「世界盃2019」次輪外圍賽(爭取第20個決賽週席位)

由於上屆「亞洲欖球錦標賽」盟主日本已自動獲得「世界盃2019」決賽週資格,因此他們今年「亞洲欖球錦標賽」的席位便由馬來西亞補上。

港隊上週主場出擊以91:10大勝馬來西亞後站穩榜首之位,並以4分領先次席的韓國。

港隊督軍利鍾斯(Leigh Jones)說:「現時所有壓力也落在韓國身上,對我們而言絕對是好消息。」「我們只需1分額外積分便可奪冠,但己方將以勝利為目標。」

利氏談及球隊的情況,他道:「我們非常清楚對方的打法,球員已準備就緒披甲上陣。」

港隊經過兩年的訓練及這次「亞洲欖球錦標賽」的實戰,可見球隊已進入「收成期」,我有信心己方能夠在「世界盃2019」外圍賽殺出重圍。

他續道:「教練團在近兩年一直加強陣容深度,即使有球員受傷也會有充足的替補兵源。」

利鍾斯在上仗安排了四名新兵上陣,讓他們吸收比賽經驗,他道:「四名取得首頂喼帽的新兵為球隊注入新動力,也讓他們證明了自己的實力。本週對手比較強,我們會以強陣出擊以確保勝利。」

「一眾經驗戰將經過上星期的休戰已歸隊候命。」「首循環作客面對韓國經過重重難關才取得勝利,我們不能掉以輕心,必需全力以赴應戰。」

由於香港七人欖球隊正在參加「阿姆斯特丹七人賽」(Amsterdam Sevens)和部分前鋒受傷,因此後備席只有2名後衛及5名前鋒可供調配。

今屆「亞洲欖球錦標賽」的皇者可晉身「世界盃」次輪外圍賽,屆時要在主客制下(630日和77) 與大洋洲的庫克群島角力,該輪的勝方將可參加11月在法國舉行的四隊制「終極外圍賽」。

香港對韓國名單 (「亞洲欖球錦標賽」– 62)

1.丹巴路(Daniel BARLOW), 2. 羅拔斯(Benjamin ROBERTS), 3. 戴倫羅渣士(Dylan ROGERS), 4. 根寧咸(James CUNNINGHAM) ©, 5. 蘇利雲 (Kyle SULLIVAN), 6. 曉臣(Nicholas HEWSON), 7. 芬尼(Toby FENN), 8.林保利(Thomas LAMBOLEY), 9. 史尼譚(Liam SLATEM), 10. 羅斯尼(Matthew ROSSLEE), 11. 赫尼(Conor HARTLEY), 12. 禾獲特(Max WOODWARD) , 13. 利維尼(Jack NEVILLE), 14.姚錦成, 15.羅比奇夫 (Robbie KEITH)

後備: 16. Jamie TSANG, 17. 富加比(Adam FULLGRABE), 18. 積克柏飛迪(Jack PARFITT), 19. 米高柏飛迪(Michael PARFITT), 20. 保確迪(Kane BOUCAUT), 21. 皮爾邦迪(Cris PIERREPONT) , 22. 朗達(Jamie LAUDER), 23. 丹馬克 (Max DENMARK), 24. 施比斯(Tyler SPITZ)

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ HKRU)