Latest news with #organisingcommittee
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong makes U-turn over rule blocking its teams from entering National Games
A Hong Kong government department has backed down on its decision to deny several of the city's sports teams the chance to compete at the National Games, and has lowered the bar to allow more to do so. Several of the city's national sports associations (NSAs) had voiced concerns about the announcement of selection criteria that excluded their teams from the Games, which Hong Kong will co-host with Guangdong and Macau in November. The city's organising committee, under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, was behind the ruling that only sports whose teams finished in the top eight at last year's Paris Olympics or the Asian Games in 2023 could enter multiple sides in National Games team events. Asked to comment by the Post, the committee on Thursday acknowledged the NSAs' concerns, with a spokeswoman saying it would 'study the optimisation of the criteria'. Hong Kong's men's senior basketball team (in white) may be reprieved by the U-turn. Photo: Elson Li On Friday came a fresh twist, as it emerged that this optimisation was set to allow Hong Kong to send more teams, with the committee reportedly now requiring teams merely to have competed at the last Olympics or Asian Games. Multiple sources confirmed to the Post the relaxing of the rules, which reportedly was communicated to the NSAs in a verbal message.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Some Hong Kong teams denied National Games entry by selection policy ruling
With less than four months to go before the National Games, dozens of Hong Kong athletes hoping to represent the city have had their dreams dashed by a group of civil servants. The city's organising committee has decided that only sports whose teams finished in the top eight at either the Paris Olympics last year or the Asian Games in 2023 could enter multiple sides in National Games team events. Sports that hosted a team event in Hong Kong, such as handball or rugby, could also enter multiple teams. Governing bodies of those failing to meet either criterion could nominate only one team to represent the city, with the committee having final approval. That camp includes the likes of volleyball and football, which have men's and women's teams. Hong Kong's men's basketball team (in white) could be prevented from competing. Photo: Xinhua In a message sent to sporting governing bodies, the committee said the decision had been taken to 'enhance the competitiveness' of Hong Kong athletes.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol's Redfest postponed for sixth consecutive year
Organisers of a free community-run music festival have announced the event is being postponed for another Redfest, in St George, has been on hiatus since 2019- initially due to the Covid pandemic - but it was set to return this year. However, organisers have now confirmed the event will not take place again until the summer of Webb, from the organising committee, said "a slow start" and "struggles with recruitment" meant the team was "not in the right place to deliver the event safely". But residents will still be able to attend a day of celebration on the 26 July this year, with more details soon to be on Facebook, organisers said it would involve a "small series of events including a sound system event, dance workshops and performances, comedy and spoken word, and music" at venues on and around Church added: "Throughout the coming months, we'll be hosting smaller Redfest events in local venues."The free event is partly funded with a grant from Bristol City Council, and a mix of donations, income from the event and brand Webb added: "We didn't have sponsors in place this year, we tried but nothing transpired."He also said they would be looking to see how the festival could be brought back in the future, and said that could involve bringing in new directors.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Sabah DCM calls for responsible celebration ahead of Kaamatan Festival
KOTA KINABALU, May 22 — As Sabah prepares for its annual Kaamatan Festival in eight days, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has urged the public to celebrate responsibly, ensuring the cultural spirit of the festival is upheld without compromising safety. Kitingan, who chairs the main organising committee, reminded festivalgoers that while the month-long celebration is a time for joy, reflection, and cultural appreciation, overindulgence—especially in food, alcohol, and late-night activities—should be avoided. 'Don't overdo it. Whether it's eating, drinking, singing, or anything else, just be mindful and manage yourselves,' he said. 'In this day and age, social media is everywhere and watching, so take care of yourself,' he added. Acknowledging past incidents of bad behaviour and disorderly conduct, Kitingan said security teams would be present during the final two days of the festival to maintain order. 'We will have police and security who will take action where necessary. We cannot tolerate bad behaviour that affects others. Maybe they will throw them into the lockup for one night,' he said. He noted that state-level and district celebrations have so far proceeded smoothly, aided by favourable weather and strong cooperation among organisers. 'We hope everything will continue to run as smoothly. We are more prepared this year, considering past years' issues and complaints,' he said. Key issues in previous years included high stall rental costs and late-night festivities affecting nearby residential areas. 'We have imposed a time limit. The music in the traditional houses has to stop at 1am. Last year, about six houses were fined for exceeding the time limit,' he said. On rental costs, Kitingan said permanent stall fees have been reduced from RM7,000 to RM5,000, while smaller canvas stalls are now more affordable thanks to increased government funding. 'Stall prices start at RM2,500, among the lowest ever. To address complaints of sub-renters, enforcement teams will monitor the situation and blacklist offenders,' he said. The Kaamatan Festival, hosted at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building, also known as Hongkod, began last weekend and will culminate on May 30 and 31. Highlights include cultural houses showcasing traditional costumes, music, and dance; stalls offering local food, drinks, and brews like lihing; traditional games such as buffalo racing, arm wrestling, and stilt walking; a singing competition; and the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau, or Harvest Festival Queen.
