(24 March 2014 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited (“NWDS” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in the PRC, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Shanghai Changning District Sports Association to launch the “@Sports – Tennis Academy”, a tennis training program under “@Dream Sustainable Development Program” that offers a year-long tennis training to under-resourced children in Changning District, Shanghai for free to arouse their interest and potential in sports, as well as to promote their physical and mental health.

The one-year elementary classes such as “tennis foundation”, “tennis techniques” will be provided to 50 students aged 7 to 12 from Shanghai Changning Road Primary School, who have potential in tennis but lack learning opportunities. Outstanding students have the opportunity to receive advanced training and participate in inter-school and public competitions to become future tennis stars. NWDS Volunteer Team will visit the students on a regular basis to keep abreast of their learning progress and needs. During the visits, volunteers will dedicate support and care to the students, helping them to develop a positive attitude towards life.

Mr Wang Renwei, Chairman of Shanghai Changning District Sports Association said, “Playing tennis can fully unleash children’s body coordination, explosive power and endurance, and primary school period is the optimal time to learn tennis as students’ physical strength, body coordination and imitative abilities have reached the learning requirements. The co-launch of the “@Sports – Tennis Academy” at Shanghai Changning Road Primary School with NWDS presents a new model of nurturing tennis talents at school, which not only enhances children’s fitness level, but also helps raise the popularity and standard of tennis in China. The collaboration also becomes an exemplary model of public-private partnership.

Ms. Rebecca Woo, Corporate Affairs Director and Chairman of Sustainability Steering Committee of NWDS, said, “The Company believes children are future pillars of the community and can become future leaders if receiving proper training. We are honoured to jointly launch the “@Sports – Tennis Academy” with Shanghai Changning District Sports Association and receive full support on the aspects of course design and student recruitment from Shanghai Changning District Bureau of Education. Through this program, the Company aims to encourage children to exercise more and benefit from it. In addition, this learning opportunity helps children to unleash their potential, pursue their dreams and develop a positive attitude towards life. We hope to incubate future tennis stars as a result of the program.”

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