Elite Step to manage PR and event for Hong Kong's cross-harbour race

The 1.8km cross-harbour swimming race will be held from Lei Yue Mun Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier to Quarry Bay Park Public Pier on 16 October.

New World Development Limited has signed up as title sponsor for the race, while Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat and American spring water brand Crystal Geyser have been named the official drinks for the 1000 participating swimmers.

This is the first water sports PR event that Elite Step has won. It followed a three-way pitch.

A Facebook fan page for the New World Cross Harbour Race 2011 is now up and running.

The Cross Harbour Race was first held in 1906 from from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier to Central, but it ended in 1978 due to the poor water quality of Victoria Harbour.

“The return of the Cross Harbour Race will revive an important collective memory of the Hong Kong community and help promote swimming as a sport for everyone," Arthur Kwan, HKASA’s vice president, said. "We are confident that over time the New World Cross Harbour Race will grow in scale to once again become an iconic event for Hong Kong that attracts local as well as international swimmers.”