The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:

     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded "M" Mark status to the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races which will be held from June 15 to 16 in Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.

     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (June 8) that like all other "M" Mark events, this event will not only promote sports development and showcase Hong Kong's capability to host world-class sports events, but also add colour and vibrancy to Hong Kong, bring in more visitors from abroad and enhance Hong Kong's position as a centre for major international sports events.

     "The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races has always been one of the highlighted events in Hong Kong's summer. Top dragon boat teams from around the world will provide the spectators with thrilling dragon boat races. There will also be an array of cultural performances and delectable food stalls on the spot, allowing spectators to immerse themselves in Hong Kong's unique Eastern charm beyond the competition." Mr Ng said.

     The "M" Mark System aims to encourage and help local "national sports associations" and private and non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be granted "M" Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.

     For details of "M" Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 8) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 8) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 8am today (June 8) will be cancelled.

     If the thunderstorm warning is cancelled and weather conditions permit by then, the flag-raising ceremony may be resumed without further notice.

     Three charities have been issued Public Subscription Permits to hold flag sales from 7am to 12.30pm today (June 8). They are, on Hong Kong Island, Xu Shan Charitable Foundation Limited; in Kowloon, Giving Love Elderly Charitable Limited; and in the New Territories, Kwai Tsing Safe Community and Healthy City Association, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said.
      
     Arrangements have been made with the charities to help people to distinguish among the three flag-selling activities.    
      
     Information on the three flag-selling organisations on June 8 is as follows:
 

 
     Details of the charitable fund-raising activities, including any updated information, covered by the issued Public Subscription Permits have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search). Permits for flag days containing information on contact methods of the flag-selling organisations and the approved flag-selling activities have also been uploaded to the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/ngo/controlofc/flagdays) for reference. For enquiries, please call the SWD's hotline at 2343 2255, or the designated hotline of the 1823 Call Centre at 3142 2678.
      
     In the case of suspected fraudulent flag day activities, people should not make any donation and should immediately report the matter to the Police, the spokesman added.