(8 December 2018, Hong Kong) Over 1,500 runners demonstrated their athletic power in today‟s NWS Geo Hero Run in support of geoconservation, environmental protection and social inclusion. Co-organized by NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings” or “the Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 659) and the Association for Geoconservation, Hong Kong (“AGHK”), the green races in half-marathon, 10km and 3km gave runners an opportunity to race through the world-renowned Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in Sai Kung. Runners with disabilities from 20 organizations also participated in the races while all proceeds will be used to support our three beneficiaries: AGHK, Youth.RoC and The Green Earth.
The NWS Geo Hero Run 2018 is one of the first Hong Kong running events to go entirely paper-cup free. Reusable cups were placed at all water stations along the race route, and runners were given incentives to either buy a reusable, foldable cup or bring their own. All waste generated at the event was properly separated for recycling.
At the kick-off ceremony, Eric Ma, Chief Operating Officer of NWS Holdings, said, “As a leader in infrastructure and service businesses, NWS Holdings is committed to responsibly managing the environmental impact of our operations and community programmes. Through this year‟s enhanced environmental measures and incentives to reduce waste at this signature event, we hope that more runners and race organizers will play their part in building a sustainable environment and community.”
Officiating at the ceremony, Kam-sing Wong, Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government, said the Hong Kong Geopark was established in 2009 as part of the city‟s effort to protect its precious geological resources, in addition to improve facilities and amenities to enhance visitors‟ experience. The Government also obtains the continuous support of AGHK to promote geoconservation and geodiversity. “This event replaces disposable paper cups with reusable cups and self-service water stations, all to promote the importance of waste reduction at source and support „Keep Trash off the Ground‟ principle. We hope that all runners will make waste reduction a habit and support the „Dump Less, Save More‟ campaign,” he said.
Cindy Choi, Chairman of AGHK, said, “In light of the rising popularity of ecotourism in Hong Kong, where rich geodiversity can be easily found in both countryside and urban areas, the NWS Geo Hero Run presents a great platform to promote geoconservation and environmental protection among the general public.”
The NWS Geo Hero Run is one of the pillar events of the well-established NWS Hong Kong Geo Wonders Hike, which also includes the popular Young Ambassadors for Geoconservation Training Programme and guided public tours. Over 30,000 members of the public have been involved in related events since the programme‟s inception in 2008.
In January 2019, free guided public tours to Lung Kwu Tan, Tai O and Ma Shi Chau will be held each Saturday, along with beach and trail-cleaning activities, as part of the Group‟s effort to promote geoconservation and encourage green living. Experienced certified guides, supported by high school students graduated from the Young Ambassadors for Geoconservation Training Programme, will help participants discover unique landforms and explore the cultural heritage of the places they visit, and at the same time understand the importance of reducing the use of plastic.
For more information about the NWS Hong Kong Geo Wonders Hike, please visit http://geo.nws.com.hk or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/geo.nws.hk.
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This press release is also available on the Group’s website ( www.nws.com.hk).
NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659) is the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17). It has diverse businesses and investments predominantly in Hong Kong and Mainland China, comprising toll roads, environmental management, port and logistics facilities, rail container terminals, commercial aircraft leasing, facilities management, healthcare services, construction and public transport. Please visit www.nws.com.hk for details.
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