Village Lions RFC Announces Title Sponsor for 2016 Hell Gate 7s Tournament

New York City’s premiere summer tournament, Hell Gate Sevens hosted by the Village Lions RFC, elevates the tournament-going experience with their partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), who signs on as title sponsor.

“We’re excited about this partnership and hope to not only provide a positive experience for players and fans alike, but also have everyone experience a bit of Hong Kong culture right here in the City,” says Tournament Co-Director G. Angela Corpus.

With seven pools open including High School Girls and the Elite Women’s Northeast Championship 7s Series, it’ll be a huge day of rugby and fun for all at Randall’s Island in NYC.

Registration is now open here: Hell Gate Sevens Registration

The tournament is on July 9th. Deadline to register is July 1st.

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Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York Partners with Village Lions RFC as Title Sponsor for 2016 Hell Gate Sevens Tournament

New York, NY (May 17, 2016) – The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) has announced today that it has partnered with Village Lions Rugby Football Club to become the title sponsor of the 2016 Hell Gate Sevens Tournament, a premier rugby sevens tournament held in New York City.

“This is an exciting time for rugby fans and players all over the world, as the sport makes a triumphant return to the Olympics this summer,” said Steve Barclay, Director of HKETONY. “My office is delighted to sponsor this year’s Hell Gate Sevens Tournament, as Hong Kong has been hosting its world-renowned rugby sevens tournament for over 40 years.”

According to a 2016 report from HSBC, there are currently more than 7 million rugby players worldwide, and that number is expected to surpass 10 million by 2020. The report also states that rugby sevens is the fastest-growing sport In the United States, and with sevens rugby set to make its Olympic return this summer in Rio, the sport is set to explode onto the U.S. national scene.

“We are delighted about forging a new partnership with HKETONY,” said Richard Gallina, President of Village Lions RFC. “Rugby is about much more than just sport, it’s about giving back to the community. Partnering with an organization like HKETONY, which has had roots in NYC for over 30 years, is invaluable to our success and will ensure that we continue to stage one of the most anticipated and competitive tournaments in the Northeast sevens circuit.”

The Hell Gate Sevens Tournament presented by the HKETONY will take place on Randall’s Island in New York City on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Originally launched in 2009, the Hell Gate Sevens Tournament regularly attracts more than 1,000 athletes, coaches, and support staff, as well as fans from all along the East Coast. Registration for the tournament is now open, and teams high school aged and older are invited to register at HellGateSevens.com.

For more information on HKETONY, contact Cherie Leung at Cherie_Leung@hketony.gov.hk or (212) 752-3320 (ext 227).

For more information on Village Lions RFC, contact Angela Corpus at hellgatesevens@villagelions.org or (425) 791-1275.

About Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York

The HKETONY has been promoting closer business and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the 31 eastern states of the USA. It works closely with state and city governments, business chambers, think tanks, and academia to enhance understanding and cooperation. The office also organizes and partners with a number of organizations in holding various cultural and sporting events such as dragon boat festivals, film festivals, and arts fellowship programs. For more information about HKETONY, visithketony.gov.hk or its “Hong Kong Meets America” Facebook page (facebook.com/hkmeetsamerica).

About Village Lions RFC

Village Lions Rugby Football Club is based in New York City and was founded in 1989, with the addition of a women’s program in 2000. The club fields multiple sides in both fifteens and sevens rugby competitions. Recent successes include the Village Lions Men’s Fifteens being crowned Division II Northeast (Competitive Region 3) Champions in 2016, and the Women’s Sevens winning the 2015 Empire GU Sevens Series. For more information about Village Lions RFC, visit VillageLions.org.