25 March 2014, Shanghai – Kia Motors Corp. and SPORTFIVE Asia today officially launched the second edition of the Kia World Extreme Games which will take place at the KIC Jiangwan Sports Centre in the Yang Pu District of Shanghai from the 30th April to the 3rd May.
This is the second year of one of the most the prestigious multi-event, action sports competition in the world, following six years of staging the Kia X Games Asia. Kia World Extreme Games has been designated as one of Shanghai’s Top 12 international events in 2014, along with F1 Chinese Grand Prix and Shanghai Tennis Masters. This honour also brings Shanghai Tourism as the event’s latest partner this year.
International sports marketing agency, SPORTFIVE Asia, has taken over the helm of organizing and delivering the event for title sponsor Kia and some new additions this year are set to raise the event to a new level on the international stage.
Highlights of the 2014 event include the addition of Freestyle Motocross - International Ramp to Ramp Competition; with two new action sports demonstrations added to the programme namely an Aggressive Inline Skate Demonstration on the Mini-Mega Ramp and The Madd Gear Scooter Troupe each day on the Street Course.
There will be a first for Asia when a spectacular ‘Extreme Jam’ takes place on the Vert featuring six action sports masters, and BMX legend Mat Hoffman aka ‘The Condor’ will also be present. Spectators can also enjoy FMX Performances twice daily throughout the event.
Dignitaries from supporting partners and sponsor - the Shanghai Sports Federation, Shanghai Media Group, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Yang Pu District Government and Kia Motors China - were present for the unveiling of a unique piece of art work titled ‘Win-Wings’ at the Shanghai Fashion Centre beside the Huangpu River. The sculpture, which has been made using recycled skateboards, is a wonderful blend of sport with fashion and art. It will remain on display from today and throughout Shanghai Fashion Week till 24 April 2014. It will then be moved to KIC Jiangwan Stadium and displayed during the Kia World Extreme Games.
In collaboration with the event’s official sponsor Challenge Skateboard this year, a limited edition Kia World Extreme Games skateboard is also launched today. Designed by Miss Quail Egg, a famous local illustrator, a hundred of these skateboards will be given to skaters who have earlier participated in the ‘Reskate’ programme by contributing their used skateboards to create the ‘Win-Wings’ art sculpture.
Representing SPORTFIVE Asia was Hass Aminian, Director, Business Development of SPORTFIVE Asia.
He said, “We are delighted to officially announce our partnership with Kia Motors today for the second edition of the Kia World Extreme Games. Building on the previous success and popularity of Extreme Sports here in Shanghai and across Asia as a whole, the 2014 edition of this world-class event will be a global showcase of the best each sport has to offer and will provide a wonderful spectacle for all those who join us across the four days of competition along with the global audience who will follow the action across TV coverage and the growing presence of social media platforms.
Once again, FOX Sports will provide our international TV platform for LIVE coverage across their Asian networks and delayed coverage to reach out to the converted and the growing number of new extreme sports enthusiasts around the world on their affiliated channels in USA, Latin America, Australia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.”
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Mr Yoon Taek Ho, President of Kia China added, “Kia Motors is proud to continue its partnership with the Kia World Extreme Games and our new event partner, SPORTFIVE Asia. We believe that this world renowned multi-sport competition resonates strongly with sports and car enthusiasts around the world and that it provides a global platform for us to share our passion for this type of sport. This is the second of our current three year commitment to the World Extreme Games and we are excited to see how it will grow this year with new highlights for both the Shanghai spectators and global TV audience to enjoy. ”
Over 200 of the world’s best extreme sports athletes will descend on Shanghai at the end of April from almost 30 countries ranging from Brazil to Japan, China and New Zealand. Medals will be contested in BMX Freestyle, Aggressive Inline, Skateboarding, Speed Climbing and International Freestyle Motocross (FMX) Competition. Well known stars confirmed to compete to date include Vince Byron, Andy MacDonald, Pierre-Luc Gagnon, Mitchell Brusco, the Yasutoko Brothers and Tom Schaar.
Legendary American Skateboarder Andy Macdonald, who has won the skateboarding competition eight times in Shanghai, is excited to be returning to China. He said, “I had a great time competing at the Kia World Extreme Games last year, winning the Mini-MegaRamp and taking third in the Vert competition. I am ready to return and battle for top spot in both events. The crowds are always fantastic and seem to get bigger every year. Shanghai is awesome!”
Visitors to this year’s Kia World Extreme Games can expect a bigger festival atmosphere in the “Interactive Zone”, where a slew of upbeat entertainment acts such as beatboxing, percussion, dance performances, together with a national photography competition are lined up to engage the crowd throughout the event days. Fans can also get up close with their action idols this year with exclusive autograph sessions and demonstrate their creative talent in the Skateboard Design contest.
Fans can purchase tickets at iDealShanghai.com and SmartShanghai.com Ticket sales start today.
Ticket Information
Regular : RMB 150/day (Early Bird Ticket) RMB 200/day (Onsite)
Grandstand : RMB 580/day (Early Bird Ticket)
Online : iDealShanghai.com and SmartShanghai.com
For more information, please log on to www.kiaworldextremegames.com or follow the event on:
Wechat : kiaworldextremegames
Sina Weibo : @kiaworldextremegames
Renren : page.renren.com/weg
Facebook : www.facebook.com/kiaworldextremegames
Twitter : @kiaextremegames
Instagram : @kiaextremegames
