The Hong Kong Hardwood Classic
After the big boys ­– the National Basketball Association – made headlines with their all-star game in Las Vegas two months ago, the Hong Kong Basketball Association will hold their own all-star match in Mongkok. OK, it might be a little audacious to compare the HKBA to the NBA, but until the NBA goes to Macau in the summer, this is about as close to real live hoop action as we’re going to find here. Players from local HK clubs will be voted into teams by fans for the all-star match –voting ended just prior to press time, so check back on www.basketball.org.hk to see which stars will be playing where. And check out the game on April 29 to see which stars shine the brightest.
What: HKBA All Star Game 2007. When: April 29, 3:15pm.
Where: Macpherson Stadium, Mongkok. How much: $30.
Enquiries: www.basketball.org.hk
Tel: 2504 8181.

Let The Games Begin
The inaugural Hong Kong Games (or ‘The Games’ as they’ve been dubbed) this month pits the city’s 18 districts against each other in four sports: track and field, table tennis, badminton and basketball. The bang of a starter’s pistol will open The Games with men’s and women’s track and field events, which will include individuals and teams in sprints, middle distance running, relays, hurdles, discus, shot put and javelin.
What: The First Hong Kong Games Athletic Competition.
When: April 22 and April 29, 9am-6pm. Where: Tsing Yi Sports Ground.
How much: Free.
Enquiries: www.lcsd.gov.hk/specials/hkg/en/enquiries.php, Tel: 2601 7672.

Drag(on) Races
Dragon boat races are a beloved tradition in Hong Kong and thousands throng to watch the extraordinary watercraft and their hardworking crews. It is difficult sometimes to know who is getting more hot and bothered, the crew stressing their rowing muscles or the crowds yelling and cavorting on the shore. Join the fun on April 22 at the Shing Mun River channel at Shatin for one of Hong Kong’s most colourful and competitive visual spectacles.
What: The 50th Festival of Sport Dragon Boat Races.
When: April 22, 8am-6pm.
Where: Shing Mun River channel at Shatin (river section between 759m and 1,250m distance markers).
How much: Free.
Enquiries: hkdba@hkolympic.org,
Tel: 2504 8332.

Birdies Flying
Not a shuttlecock will lie idle at the badminton competition for the First Hong Kong Games in April. The action is expected
to be fast and furious as the finest teams, doubles and individuals from our 18 districts compete throughout the month. There will be plenty of opportunities to cheer on your district’s players at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre from April 20 through April 29.
What: The First Hong Kong Games Badminton Competition. When: April 20 (7pm-10:30pm), 22 (9am-10:30pm), 24 (7pm-10:30pm), 27 (7pm-10:30pm), and 29 (9am-10:30pm). Where: Kowloon Park Sports Centre.
How much: Free.
Enquiries: www.lcsd.gov.hk/specials/hkg/en/enquiries.php,
Tel:2601 7672.

Ping-Pong Power
It may seem like a child’s version of Roger Federer’s favourite sport, but table tennis is a serious game that requires skill and power to win. And if you don’t believe that, take a look at the table tennis contest among the districts for the First Hong Kong Games. You may be amazed at the concentration, stamina and skill these athletes have developed. Teams, doubles and singles will be tearing up the tables of the Cornwall Street Squash and Table Tennis Centre on April 28-29 as they fight for the pride of their districts.
What: The First Hong Kong Games Table Tennis Competition. When: April 28 (6.30pm-10.30pm), April 29 (9am-10.30pm). Where: Cornwall Street Squash and Table Tennis Centre, Sham Shui Po.
How much: Free.
Enquiries: www.lcsd.gov.hk/specials/hkg/en/enquiries.php, Tel:2601 7672.