2008-02-16
Standard Chartered "Race For a Living Planet - Environment Pledge"
Support Hong Kong to win US$1 Million for Local Environmental Projects

[16 February 2008, Hong Kong] - The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2008 is approaching in one day. While 50,000 registered athletes are getting ready for the race, "Race for a Living Planet - Environment Pledge", the global campaign launched under Standard Chartered's Greatest Race Marathon Series (GROE), has started its one-month countdown. Hong Kong is temporarily ranked fourth in the competition.

Today, Standard Chartered Hong Kong held the "Race for a Living Planet - Environment Pledge" Ceremony in Victoria Park to grasp the last chance in mobilizing the Hong Kong public to support the campaign. The top three cities with the highest participation rate will win a share of US$ 1 million for local environment projects. At the ceremony, 80 students presented small cloths drawn with green messages to GROE athletes, who will pin the cloths onto their attire on Race Day to promote environmental awareness along the Marathon route.

"Race for a Living Planet" is one of the key programmes of Standard Chartered's Greatest Race on Earth (GROE) 2007/08 Marathon series. It encourages Standard Chartered employees, customers and the public around the world to consider simple steps they can make to help reduce the long term effect of climate change, water and air pollution as well as land abuse and deforestation. Standard Chartered, working in partnership with WWF, will donate US$ 1 million to support vital environmental conservation projects that will benefit the three nations which generate the most environmental pledges per capita.

Around the world, Standard Chartered strives for sustainable development and environmental protection. In November last year, Standard Chartered made a pledge to switch off all idling vehicle engines of their company car pool to improve air quality. Mr. Ben Hung, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited said at the ceremony today, "We believe that by making simple changes in our daily lives, we can make the planet a better place to live. Today, we are asking you - Hong Kong's community - to create a greener home by making your pledges in "Race for a Living Planet' to win the share of US$ 1 million for local environmental projects!"

Mr. Lee Chi Wing, Chairman of Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association said "Environmental problems has created pressing issues for Hong Kong in recent years. As Hong Kong's signature international sporting event, I am glad to see that Standard Chartered has taken the opportunity to integrate messages of environmental awareness into the Marathon."

Up to date, Thailand is taking the leading position in "Race for a Living Planet Environment Pledge", while Brunei Darussalam and Taiwan are second and third respectively. Deadline for the campaign is on 17 March and the results will be announced the following day.

At the same time, Standard Chartered is holding a video contest for "Race for a Living Planet". Members of public are welcome to join the contest at the Standard Chartered Booth of the Marathon Expo on 15-16 February. Participants will be asked to shoot a short video with the theme of "Environment Protection", and the five winners will each win a fabulous prize of HK$5,000 in total..