Hong Kong Rugby Sevens draws 40 International Teams and 120,000 spectators for 3 days of non-stop action and fun!

“Firmly established as the world's premier event of its kind and one of the most popular annual sporting events in Asia, the Hong Kong Sevens attracts some of the world's greatest rugby players and thousands of fans from every corner of the globe to the magnificent Hong Kong Stadium every year”.

The Hong Kong Sevens tournament was one of the first of its kind. Traditional rugby is played with 15 players on each team playing 40 minute halves, but this unique 7-on-7 tournament became one of the first to have corporate sponsors, which drew the attention of some of the world’s best athletes. By the late 70’s the tournament had grown not only in popularity with the local fans, but also with the players as well, boasting the friendliest atmosphere and most sportsmanlike competitors in the world. This event has become a transformative experience for both fans and athletes alike, giving birth (in some cases literally) to new opportunities and connections between visitors.

In 1976, a group of rugby enthusiasts, a tobacco company, and a commercial airline walked into a bar. Not really. What they did was come together to host the first annual Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament.  This three-day tournament has quietly become one of the largest rugby events in the world, hosting an estimated 120,000 people last year! 

To some people sports are simply a form of entertainment. For most of us it can be used as an outlet for our creativity and passion, and more importantly a chance to bring people together. Since its humble beginnings as an event to increase popularity of rugby in Asia, the Hong Kong Sevens has transformed into a multicultural celebration of sports and competition.

This year the festival will start with the Women’s Seven Series qualifier in which twelve teams will fight it out for an opportunity to play in the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series. They’ve recently added a youth tournament where teams from all over the world battle for the under 18 title, as well as a chance to meet some of the most famous players in the world. Daily activities range from watching the 6-12 year old pregame matches to attending viewing parties at the “Sevens Village” at the Indian Recreation Club. The South Stand of the arena has become the epicenter for fans wanting to dress up in their favorite costumes, cheer on the athletes, and even dance for entire matches.

The Sevens have been not only a place for new friendships, but also romance. In the South China Morning Post, New York rugby correspondent Chris Kaufman is quoted as saying “Through yawns and grumbles, when we got to Victoria Park, there before me stood the person who was to become the love of my life.” Chris met his wife standing in line for passes to the Sevens in 1993 after waking up before dawn to make sure he could get tickets to the event.

Lola McLaughlin, a former player on the 1997 women’s Arabian Gulf team, met her husband after being asked to stay in Hong Kong after the event and help teach rugby. In case you were thinking this was just a coincidence, she has been quoted in the South China Morning Post saying “I can attribute my career on and off the pitch to the Sevens, my marriage, and also, indirectly, the birth of our daughter, now eight.”

The Gay Games originated in San Francisco in 1982 and has become the world’s largest LGBT sporting and cultural event. The Gay Games have been hosted all over the world including Germany, Australia, and The Netherlands. The upcoming games will be held in Paris in 2018. Led by LGBT athletes, artists, and musicians the festival covers 3 themes: sports, arts & culture, and academic conference. Much like the Hong Kong Sevens the Gay Games are open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, skill, or age.

Gay Games Hong Kong 2022 will be an empowering experience for all - anyone can participate- regardless of ability, age, sexual orientation, race, gender, nationality, political or religious beliefs, ethnic origins, or HIV status- and let their passion for sports bloom without fear of being judged or stigmatized. Show your support by following #GGHK2022 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Donate: http://www.gaygameshk2022.com/donate

Learn More: http://www.gaygameshk2022.com/

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GayGamesHK2022

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaygameshk2022

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaygameshk2022/

Delicious “Pink” Omega-3 Pork, Living LGBT in Hong Kong and LinkedIn How-to’s Inside!

Living LGBT in Hong Kong

As a whole, Chinese culture is quite conservative when it comes to homosexuality. Fortunately Hong Kong is a liberal city and there are no qualms when it comes to being openly gay here, for both locals and foreigners alike. In 1991 homosexuality became legal in Hong Kong; however, anti-discrimination laws are limited, gay marriage is not legal in Hong Kong, and existing same-sex marriages are not formally recognised. The gay community continues to lobby for equal rights for same-sex unions and anti-discrimination legislation and social recognition of same-sex couples. Many are hopeful that hosting the 2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong could be a stepping stone toward finally legalizing LGBT marriage in Hong Kong.

Read more here.

Unique Omega-3 Pork Belly can be Served Pink!

People love trying out new foods. However, there are some foods that some people are afraid to try, no matter how tasty it is. And one of these is raw or undercooked pork. The good news is that Flodins has a pork product that you can eat raw without worrying about ill effects. In particular, their Omega-3 pork has a very nice intramuscular fat, so it has a great mouthfeel. Flodins Nordic farming methods and years of research into healthier eating have resulted in delicious, juicy and tender pork, which is simple for even a novice cook to prepare, cook and serve to their family's delight. You can (and should) enjoy their meat pink- it's a completely different pork experience!

If you are ready to explore a whole new side of pork, then click here to read on!

Using LinkedIn to Promote Your Business

Using social media as a business platform has become ubiquitous these days. Like other forms of Internet marketing, marketing a small or home business on LinkedIn is relatively inexpensive and provides a lot of bang for the buck. If that's the market you are trying to reach, you need to get in the game! Start by contacting a leading professional marketing agency like Prosperity Research Digital Agency (PRDA). As Asia’s first and leading social media agency, PRDA has been in the business for over 10 years and provides a complete solution for all your Social Media Management.

LinkedIn can be a great way to promote your business, with the world's largest audience of influential, affluent professionals all in one place.

Here are a few reasons why.

Using LinkedIn to Promote Your Business

 

 

Using social media as a business platform has become ubiquitous these days. Like other forms of Internet marketing, marketing a small or home business on LinkedIn is relatively inexpensive and provides a lot of bang for the buck. If that's the market you are trying to reach, you need to get in the game! Start by contacting a leading professional marketing agency like Prosperity Research Digital Agency (PRDA). As Asia’s first and leading social media agency, PRDA has been in the business for over 10 years and provides a complete solution for all your Social Media Management.

LinkedIn can be a great way to promote your business, with the world's largest audience of influential, affluent professionals all in one place. Here are a few reasons why:

• Getting Started with LinkedIn Marketing

Create a LinkedIn company page for your business that catches the eye of the audience. Beginners can start by uploading their resume, and as it's completed your company page will be automatically linked from the resume in your profile.  Once these LinkedIn basics are in place, you can get started on marketing yourself and your business to LinkedIn members.

• Passive LinkedIn Marketing

The simple steps of creating LinkedIn profile, adding connections and updating your account can get the attention of potential clients and customers. LinkedIn's search features allow others to find you, and just like Google search, the use of LinkedIn search is an important, well-used feature of the network. Your LinkedIn business connections can help provide introductions, whilst Recommendations provides credibility that encourages people to do business with you.

For more proactive marketing of your business:

• Post Regular Status Updates.

Posting regularly about yourself and your business helps you reach your target audience- this is also a service provided by PRDA.

• Answer Questions.

Log in to LinkedIn, click More and select Answers. See if you can provide a good answer to someone else's question. This can help establish your credibility as an expert.  

Adding LinkedIn to your marketing strategy can be a very smart idea. If you have the time, you can learn to do everything yourself. If not, you might consider hiring a specialist, like the experts at PRDA. The LinkedIn Platform should be given full consideration if you want your business to succeed and grow.

Now go, get started with Prosperity Research Digital Agency (PRDA), their experts will help your business stay on top of your social media platforms with fresh content, posted to top distribution sites!

Learn More: http://www.prda.asia/
Like on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PRDA.Asia/
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PRDA_Asia

Pilates for Running Faster and Farther with Less Risk of Injury

 

 

Whether you’re a competitive runner or weekend jogger trying to shed a few pounds, there’s no doubt that running is an easy way to keep in great cardiovascular shape. But your body can take a beating from running if you are not careful, this is something that Pilates can help with! Pilates exercises create a stronger, more flexible spine and core, helping you to transfer forces through your body more efficiently.  Another huge benefit is that it both reduces the risk of and promotes faster recovery from strains or injuries. The majority of runners injure themselves out of running- learn how to run effectively and efficiently at a leading Pilates instruction and training center, like Iso Fit. Training at Iso Fit keeps both experienced athletes and beginners healthy, fit and happy.

Pilates exercises assist in:

• Increased Core Strength, which can be transferred into your running.
• Correcting postural imbalances which help reduce the risk of injury
• Elongating and aligning the spine for better stability
• Increase your overall flexibility, balance, strength and core.
• Increase your range of motion in hips and shoulders
• Recovering from injuries quicker; and avoiding them in the first place!

Benefits a Strong Core offers to Runners and Sports People

• Run more efficiently uphill  and downhill with a stabilized musculature and more balanced sciatic area
• Increased oxygenation, and therefore increased stamina with a fully expanded diaphragm
• Decrease fatigue because of less strain on the body
• Shave seconds off your times because you move more efficiently
• Run without pain!

Running focuses on and develops your legs, but runners often neglect their core muscles. For a runner, posture is one of the key ingredients to success. And posture is very dependent on a strong core. Pilates develops a strong core by supporting and strengthening the muscles of the torso, hips shoulders and pelvis. Pilates training also improves your overall posture and aligns your neck and head with spine and pelvis up to your toes. Not only will you run more efficiently, but this also leads to less chance of injury.

Pilates is a must when it comes to running, and a good Pilates instructor can help you take your running to the next level. The trainers at Iso Fit will personalize a training program to best meet your needs in order to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Head over to the Iso Fit Pilates studio in Central to experience the benefits for yourself!

Visit:  802-805, 8/F Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Learn More:  http://isofit.com.hk/
Like on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PilatesHongKong
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/isofitstudio/

Unique Omega-3 Pork Belly can be Served Pink!

People love trying out new foods. However, there are some foods that some people are afraid to try, no matter how tasty it is. And one of these is raw or undercooked pork. The good news is that Flodins has a pork product that you can eat raw without worrying about ill effects. In particular, their Omega-3 pork has a very nice intramuscular fat, so it has a great mouthfeel. Flodins Nordic farming methods and years of research into healthier eating have resulted in delicious, juicy and tender pork, which is simple for even a novice cook to prepare, cook and serve to their family's delight. You can (and should) enjoy their meat pink- it's a completely different pork experience!

Flodins Omega-3 pork prepared by Executive Chef Jaakko Sorsa at FINDS, Hong Kong's first and finest Nordic restaurant and bar.

Ever since beef  tartare and sushi became popular, raw animal products have been known as luxury menu items. Raw pork may still be a restaurant rarity, but increasing numbers of chefs are starting to serve their pork cooked to medium-rare. Then again, many of them acknowledge that even faintly pink pork seems to upset their diners.  The question is, should it?

The reason most pork cannot be served pink, and must be fully(and usually over-cooked) is due to Trichinella. This is not present in Flodins meat at all. It is a worm parasite that is found in pork when the pigs eat scraps of meat that have larval cysts. As a result, the pig’s meat becomes infected as well. If eaten undercooked, it can affect the health of humans. That is the reason why people began to over-cook their pork, but it is also incredibly uncommon in today’s world. Medium-rare pork is more succulent, tender, and flavorful than its well-done counterpart. The key is to make sure your pork is from pigs raised in safe, clean, and humane environments, slaughtered and packaged and shipped in a sensible and efficient way.

If you are ready to explore a whole new side of pork, and want to try eating pork pink, then purchase Flodins’ Omega-3 Pork Belly. The only worry you will have when cooking the succulent meat is making sure it is not overcooked. With Flodins Nordic-raised pork, you will be able to fully enjoy the unique taste of the pink meat without having to think about the consequences of eating pork raw.

Learn More:  http://www.flodinsfood.asia/
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Flodins.HK
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Flodins.asia/

Living LGBT in Hong Kong

 

As a whole, Chinese culture is quite conservative when it comes to homosexuality. Fortunately Hong Kong is a liberal city and there are no qualms when it comes to being openly gay here, for both locals and foreigners alike. In 1991 homosexuality became legal in Hong Kong; however, anti-discrimination laws are limited, gay marriage is not legal in Hong Kong, and existing same-sex marriages are not formally recognised. The gay community continues to lobby for equal rights for same-sex unions and anti-discrimination legislation and social recognition of same-sex couples. Many are hopeful that hosting the 2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong could be a stepping stone toward finally legalizing LGBT marriage in Hong Kong.

Bars and restaurants are gay-friendly, particularly in Lan Kwai Fong, with some hosting regular gay happy hours and there are also established gay bars, as well as publications and websites. Weeknights can be a little quiet across the gay nightlife scene but weekends make up for this. The annual Gay Pride event along with gay promotional content like books, magazines (DS is the most popular!)  and local websites are proof positive of the expanding liberalism of Hong Kong. One of the best ways to meet other LGBT people is through groups. It may be a community or support group, work group, or sports group- like Out in HK. Another way is to volunteer.

Hosting the Gay Games in Hong Kong for the first time, will be a never-to-be-forgotten experience. This is where people will strive for their personal best and feel the inclusiveness of being part of a something larger- beyond sports.  For people who have never been to Asia it will be a chance to experience the kindness, the culture, the food  and the different ways of life of this part of the world. There is no doubt that Hong Kong’s hosting of the gay games will have a positive impact on promoting an  inspirational vision of inclusion and diversity throughout Asia.

Sign up and show your support for #GGHK2022 here!

Donate: http://www.gaygameshk2022.com/donate

Learn More: http://www.gaygameshk2022.com/

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GayGamesHK2022

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaygameshk2022

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaygameshk2022/

Help AYOHK Transform Lives Through the Power of Music

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything – Plato

Since the beginning of time, man has used many languages for communication, one of which is music coming from euphonious trills of musical instruments. Considering music is a multifaceted dimension, one can lift himself up above the clouds and experience heavenly bliss. However, the musical heritage has been preserved with great care for centuries and in doing so, the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYOHK) has played a pivotal role. Not only has it strived to become the leading orchestra around the globe but also, has transformed the lives of Asian youth with the power vested in classical music.

The Asian Youth Orchestra has been able to keep the soul of classical music alive with the help of its co-sponsors and collaborators. Together they mentor and enable youth to become performers for international philharmonic societies and organisations. These aspiring musicians have performed for local and international audiences at Summer Festival and Rehearsal Camp, innovational music programs, specific programs for disabled and disadvantaged children and stylistically groundbreaking works designed to introduce young artists to the colorful and powerful world of music.

To continue to exhibit the level of mastery it beholds, the Asian Youth Orchestra requires the courtesy of corporations to keep up the fluidity of their educational and training programs and international tours. As a co-sponsor, you will be well-perceived as a contributor and perpetuator of classical heritage. Furthermore, you will be known as the friends of AYOHK and will be catered amazing benefits to suit your needs that include:

• Your logo on brochures, souvenirs and AYOHK official website
• Acknowledgement in press releases and ads
• VIP access to backstage
• Chance to host private and VIP concerts and a lot more!

Whether you apply for co-sponsorship or aid financially, every contribution is welcome! Now’s your chance to support the Asian Youth Orchestra in its efforts to deliver quality music and recruit artists regardless of geographical bounds – as music gives life to everything!

Learn more: http://www.asianyouthorchestra.com/

Like our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asianyouthorchestra

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asian_youth_orchestra/