Marcus Lum
The Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress anticipates a financial loss from organizing two international competitions at Kai Tak Sports Park due to high rental costs.
This event will mark the first time the bowling alley within the Kai Tak Mall is rented out, with the venue expected to open in the middle of this month to host two M-mark international sports competitions.
In an opening ceremony, congress chairwoman Vivien Lau Chiang-chu said all future large-scale competitions involving overseas participants will be held at Kai Tak.
She acknowledged the financial challenges: "The rent is significantly higher compared to our previous venue. With increased expenses, a loss from hosting these competitions is inevitable," Lau said.
She added that unlike other sports, bowling competitions do not draw large crowds, which results in fluctuating profits.
"We sometimes make a profit, but there are times we incur losses, which will ultimately be covered by the association," she said.
Lau also said the SAR administration typically subsidizes 85 percent of the total costs for each event, with the association responsible for the rest through fundraising efforts.
She expressed hope the administration could increase the subsidy. "Ideally, we would like full support from the administration, but we understand that may be difficult," she said.
Elite athletes, she added, will continue to train at Hong Kong Sports Institute.
She said several major competitions are scheduled to take place at sports park starting mid-next year.
Paralympic bowling athlete Cheung Hoi-tung, training at the new facility, said local competitions would have a positive impact on athletes.
The new bowling alley, featuring 40 lanes, will provide more opportunities for locals to participate in bowling. "It not only allows athletes to practice but also attracts more spectators to the events, helping to elevate the profile of bowling," he said.
The bowling center will be open to the public starting December 18, offering storage lockers, three billiard tables, as well as a restaurant, bar and karaoke facilities.
The news came as the Kai Tak Sports Park unveiled the interior of the Kai Tak Stadium, which has a capacity of 50,000.
The stadium features a retractable roof and a dedicated stage for world-class events, with a glass curtain wall that provides views of Victoria Harbour.
The vibrant seating showcases the Chinese characters for Kai Tak, and the turf system is designed to accommodate top-level football and rugby, as well as various sports and entertainment experiences.
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