Operation Breakthrough the official charity for the first Arnold Classic Asia 2016
Operation Breakthrough was a proud (and honored), guest and charity partner for the first Arnold Classic Asia held at the end of August.
The world’s largest annual multi-sport festival that was started, hosted and personally endorsed by Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been running since 1989 but it was the first time to be held in Asia with Hong Kong chosen as the host city. Operation Breakthrough was delighted to be invited as the official charity for the event.
Arnold Classic Asia organizers included Breakthrough branding, promotion and our young sports kids and directors throughout the weekend.
One of the highlights was a special photo opportunity at the official press conference and the a presentation made by ex-Breakthrough rugby player and now police officer “ Peter Yip Man Kuen” who addressed a 500 strong business lunch on Friday 19th August. Special guest of honor Chief Secretary Mrs. Carrie Lam and Arnold Schwarzenegger were among business and sporting attendees who were listening to his personal story of how sport changed his life.
The emotional sharing drew a prolonged round of applause from the assembled business gathering Kuen also presented Arnie with a commemorative cap celebrating Breakthrough’s 20th anniversary this year.
Operation Breakthrough Executive Director Glenn O’Neil was presented with a HK$50,000 dollar cheque personally signed the Hollywood star. “Arnie” also signed a commemorative framed shirt.
Breakthrough were also given a complimentary booth at the Expo where 30 or our kids were in attendance on each day taking part (but very nervous and forgetting to smile) in the opening ceremony as well as a surprise visit to our booth by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Followed by hundreds of media and fans.
Breakthrough received a tremendous amount of exposure and awareness as well as the generous donation to our funds and we thank Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as the Arnold Classic Asia organizers for their support.
Arnold Sports Festival holds competitions for over 45 events, even 12 Olympic sports. Aside from weightlifting and bodybuilding tournaments for men, it now includes women’s divisions. It also holds competitions for power lifting, wrestling, martial arts, boxing, skateboarding, fencing, table tennis, gymnastics, cheerleading, figure skating, yoga, archery and other sports. One of its most popular events however, is the Arnold Strongman Classic, which celebrates physical strength. In recent history, the Arnold Classic now the Arnold Sports Festival attracts over 18,000 competitors yearly, as well as over 175,000 visitors to the Arnold Fitness Expo.