Press Release - September 18, 2004
A gigantic 20-square meter Genki kite specially commissioned by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), joined by some 4,000 small kites from Hong Kong, graced the Toronto sky today (September 18) to promote Hong Kong and its unique visual identity - a flying dragon.

The largest of the �Genki� category ever appeared in Canada, this spectacular gigantic kite was imprinted with Brand Hong Kong, to reflect its position as Asia�s world city. It was custom-made in China�s kite capital of Weifang as HKETO�s contribution to the 10th anniversary of the Toronto KiteFest, and as the theme kite of Canada�s largest and most colourful kite festival.

This year�s Toronto KiteFest, held today and tomorrow (September 19) at the Milliken Park in Scarborough, is expected to attract more than 80,000 visitors and professional kite fliers, including international kite teams from Canada, China, Italy, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Speaking at the Toronto KiteFest�s opening ceremony, the HKETO Director, Mr Bassanio So, addressed the gathering: �I bring you greetings from Hong Kong by presenting you a HKETO-commissioned gigantic �Genki� kite, the largest of its kind ever flown in Canada. I also bring you the warmest friendship and goodwill of the Hong Kong people by presenting to you our Brand Hong Kong, the modern-interpretation of a dragon incorporating the letters HK and the Chinese characters of Hong Kong.

�By bringing Hong Kong closer to the Canadian community, I am sure that the already close ties between Canada and Hong Kong, with increased understanding and co-operations, will go from strength to strength.�

HKETO participated in the two-day kite festival as the event�s Premier Sponsor, and organized various fun-filled games to enhance Canadians� understanding and knowledge of the Brand and Hong Kong�s vibrancy and dynamism. The Hong Kong Booth attracted huge crowds of people who were keenly interested in the intricate design and mastery of the making of the Brand Hong Kong kite and the core values it represents.

They were particularly fond of the Brand Hong Kong souvenirs, displaying the flying dragon icon which represents Hong Kong�s unique attributes and core values, which are best described as �progressive�, �free�, �stable�, �opportunity� and �high quality�.

The highlight of the KiteFest event was a contest to guess the perimeter of the gigantic �Genki� Brand Hong Kong kite. The lucky winner who has given the closest guess would be awarded an $8,000 Hong Kong Winter Fest holiday package at the end of the two-day event. The holiday package includes a Hong Kong-Toronto economic class round ticket with 5-night hotel, courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific Airways and Harbour Plaza Hotels and Resorts.


For more information, please contact: John Tam, Chief Information Officer of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at: (416) 924-5544 or email: [email protected] or Elison Chu, Senior Information Officer, [email protected]