Arnold Classic Asia marks expansion across six continents

Having been held in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Australia, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s multi-sports event, the Arnold Classic continues its worldwide expansion with the debut of the Arnold Classic Asia to be held in Hong Kong in August this year.

A partnership between Classic Productions, Inc., Tony Doherty, promoter of Arnold Classic Australia, and Hong Kong businessman Richard Petty, the Arnold Classic Asia will feature both amateur and professional bodybuilding shows, a large health and fitness expo, as well as select sports competitions and demonstrations including Cross Fit and rugby.

Jim Lorimer, who co-founded the original Arnold Classic with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989, explains “the Arnold Sports Festival is proud to continue its worldwide growth with the presentation of Arnold Classic Asia in Hong Kong in 2016.”

To be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, the event is supported by the Hong Kong Government, sports and business organisations including the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU).

Being held during the Olympics, Petty, who Chairs Arnold Classic Asia explains “the good thing about the Olympics is that it creates a global focus on fitness and there will be much excitement and buzz around sports in August.

HKRU Chief Executive Vernon Reid expects “enormous interest” in the festival, stating “we know Arnold is very popular in Hong Kong so we thought if he’s going to come here and bring the festival, the Hong Kong Rugby Union should definitely be part of it and we’re very excited to be invited to join.

“We’re doing all we can to make sure rugby section of the festival is very successful and that the whole festival itself will do well.”

Alisports has become a supporting partner of the Arnold Classic Asia and will launch a bespoke online channel, where fans will be able to buy related products as well as refer to the latest information.

Established 40 years ago, the festival has an international following on 6 continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and now Asia.

Looking forward to the event, which he will attend, the bodybuilding and Hollywood legend stated “I cannot wait to get to Hong Kong for the first Arnold Classic Asia. It will be unbelievable.

“We will have many sports there and some of the most powerful and muscular men and women.” 

Meanwhile the Arnold Classic Australia will be held in Melbourne from 17th to 19th March 2017.

For more information on the Arnold Classic Asia click here to view event details in the Australasian Leisure Management.

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