Indeed, Tatler XFEST Hong Kong is much more than an event. As part of the XFEST match, there will also be an Open Training Session at Hong Kong Stadium, where selected marquee players from Inter Miami CF and Hong Kong Team—alongside professional coaches—will take part in a football clinic for young players aged nine to 14 years old. On top of that, excitingly, 15,000 from the community benefiting from this enrichment initiative will be able to attend the open training session with tickets being distributed by the CSTB, Laureus Sport for Good, and The Football Association of Hong Kong. 

“I am thrilled to announce Tatler XFEST Hong Kong community enrichment programme in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good, and with support of the government of Hong Kong,” says Lamunière. “Through Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, we are harnessing the power of sports to inspire the minds and spirits of Hong Kong youth. We believe they are all the key to the future of our city. That is why providing them, particularly those with limited access to such opportunities, this once in a lifetime experience to learn from several of the world's best players is essential to this grand celebration.”

Lamunière then expressed his heartfelt thanks to Tatler Asia’s sponsors and partners, including Prudential, Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, The Football Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mastercard, ticketing partner Klook, and local broadcaster Now TV. He wrapped up with a final message to the Hong Kong Team: “Let us all send our encouragement to the exceptional Hong Kong football players—you are the pulse of the city’s sporting spirit, your dedication ignites dreams and turns them into possibilities. Here’s to a successful match, and an unforgettable event. Let the game begin.”

Guests of honour who joined Lamunière at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel were also eager to share their excitement. 

Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’s secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said, “The match between Inter Miami CF and Hong Kong Team on February 4 is sure to be one of the biggest sporting event in our city this year. I’m thrilled that this match is taking place in Hong Kong, and welcome Inter Miami CF to Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong government. At the same time, we would like to show our support for the Hong Kong Team—last year, at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, our men’s football team played extremely well, and next month will be no exception.”

Eric Fok, chairman of The Football Association of Hong Kong, also expressed his thanks and excitement. 

“[The Tatler XFEST match] being held in Hong Kong highlights our city’s exceptional ability to host these massive sporting events, and this is reflected in the ticketing response—this has given our hearts a ‘long-term booster’,” said Fok. 

Some of the players from the Hong Kong Team then said a few words. Cameroon-born Mahama Awal says he is “looking forward to having a world class event in Hong Kong. It’s a special occasion to play with world class footballers. It’s going to be very exciting.”

His teammate, Brazilian Mikael Severo Burkatt, then offered a prediction for the match, saying: “I think the Hong Kong team will score the first goal at the match!”

Lastly, Hong Kong-born footballer Ngan Cheuk-pan said: “I’ve told many of my friends [who couldn’t get tickets] to tune in to Now TV for the match,” drawing laughs from the audience.

The press conference wrapped up with a photo session.

Tatler XFEST Hong Kong is recognised by the Major Sports Events Committee and is sponsored by Prudential, Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, Adidas, BMW, Chopard, Mastercard and is supported by the Football Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport, Brand Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The exclusive local broadcaster is Now TV and the exclusive event ticketing partner is Klook. For more information visit the website tatlerasia.com/xfesthk.

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