Bigger-Than-Ever Action Sports Returns To Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, 12 February 2004
Press conference launching the Asian X Games VI and ESPN Junior X Games V presented by Toyota. - photo by Simon Yap
The world’s top two inline skaters from Japan, three of the world’s top skateboarders hailing from the USA and Brazil, defending champions in wakeboarding and climbing from Thailand and Korea, respectively, and a two-time gold US medallist in BMX at the X Games IX in Los Angeles - these are but a few of the action sports athletes converging on Kuala Lumpur next week.
The ultimate action sports competition is back with a blast, bigger than before and promising to be the largest action sports competition and lifestyle event ever staged in Asia. The Asian X Games VI and ESPN Junior X Games V presented by Toyota return to Kuala Lumpur for their third annual staging, but this time indoors at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, from February 16 to 22, 2004.
At the press conference held today at the venue of the Games, Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, YB Dato Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports said, “Through the Rakan Muda programme, we have been able to develop some very good action sports athletes who will hopefully provide inspiration to up-and-coming action athletes of Malaysia. We are serious about bringing the standard of action sports in the country to global levels.”.
Mr Richard Young, Vice President, Event Management Group and Programme Development for ESPN STAR Sports said: “In our unique partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and its Rakan Muda program we are developing these sports along with the youth of Malaysia. These sports are much more than casual pastimes: they are a lifestyle. A lifestyle that promotes healthy competition… we are honoured to be a part of the Ministry’s vision and we are fully confident of achieving its goals.”
The park course at Putra Stadium. - photo by Simon Yap
“This year for Asian X Games VI, we welcome a landmark decision to move portions of the action sports event indoors at the Stadium Putra. This will mark the first time in International X Games history that the park course and vert ramp will be set indoors on the global front. This decision only compliments the city of Kuala Lumpur on its dedication and support in showcasing these sports in the best venue possible and in keeping with the level of talent the competitors have so prominently demonstrated,” added Mr Harvey Davis, Director, International X Games for ESPN.
The Malaysian athletes who qualified through the Asian Xtour KL presented by Toyota held in October 2003 will compete for a share of the US$122,000 (RM463,600) prize money, medals and an invitation to compete in the prestigious Summer X Games in Los Angeles, California, in August 2004.
World Class Athletes Perform Exhilarating Stunts
MotoX athlete Justin Homan will be putting on demos. - photo by Bakke/Shazamm/ESPN
Malaysians and action sports fans across Asia will be captivated with the thrills and spills showcased by Moto X guest stars from the USA - Dave Demangos, Jeremy Carter and Justin Homan - at this year’s Asian X Games VI presented by Toyota. Moto X will be presenting itself for the second time running in Kuala Lumpur as a demo sport. Moto X is currently a very popular attraction for spectators at the X Games in the US.
World-known and 2003 BMX Champion in both the Dirt Jumping and the Park Competition, USA’s Ryan Nyquist will not only perform for the crowds at Stadium Putra, but will also interact and sign autographs for his fans in Kuala Lumpur.
Expanding the excitement of the X Games experience, next week’s event will see again the inclusion of the Toyota jumbotron outside the stadium to complement Putra’s existing indoor screen. This will allow spectators to view the live action clearly from anywhere on site.
The Opening ceremony, which is officiated by the Guest-of-honour The Malaysian Prime Minister, Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, will be held on the 19 February and will kick off at 3pm, and will feature a performance by the renowned singer Sheila Majid.
Asian X favourite Pop Shuvit will be performing on the Toyota Stage.
Throughout the event live concerts at the interactive village will also take the Toyota stage by storm featuring pumping performances by home-grown renowned local talents including OAG, Pop Shuvit, Love Me Butch, Dragon Red and Reshmonu, amongst others. The interactive village will also feature booths where sponsors Toyota, adidas, Hotlink, Malaysia Airlines, Milo, KFC & Pizza Hut, 100 Plus, Astro, Rakan Muda, Warner Music and organizer ESPN will be giving away free gifts, have games and sell merchandise.
The ESPN Junior X Games V presented by Toyota will take place from February 16 - 18 and will feature over 50 junior athletes, aged eight to 14 years old. The Asian X Games VI presented by Toyota will be held from February 19 – 22 with over 200 top action sports athletes participating from more than 20 countries and regions. The events will be held at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil.
Admission to the Games is free.
The ESPN Junior X Games V and the Asian X Games VI presented by Toyota is hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports and enjoys high-level sponsorship support from Presenting Sponsor Toyota, Host Rakan Muda, Official Partners Adidas, Hotlink, Malaysian Airlines and Official Sponsors Milo, KFC/Pizza Hut and 100 Plus. Astro is the Official Television Platform, HitzFM is the Official Radio Station and NTV7 is the Official Terrestrial Broadcaster. Also supporting the event are Channel V, Warner Music and the Mines while it is promoted and organized by ESPN International and ESPN STAR Sports.
Don't forget to pick up your own piece of the X by buying adidas exclusive Asian X Games merchandise and the official Asian X Games VI presented by Toyota compilation album featuring tracks from Sean Paul and POD available on CD and cassette through Warner Music.
Background on the X Games
The Asian X Games was first held in 1998 and is the most prestigious multi-event competition for action sports in Asia. Between 1998 and 2001 the event took place on Phuket Island, Thailand. From 2002 to 2004, the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the home of X in Asia.
Showcasing 300 of Asia-Pacific’s best action sport athletes, the event serves as a qualifier to the US X Games, the pinnacle of global action sports competition. Athletes compete in aggressive in-line skate, bicycle stunt, skateboard, sport climb and wakeboard. The junior event, inaugurated in 1999, is modelled after the senior Games and brings together children aged 14 years and under.
ESPN televises the Asian X Games VI presented by Toyota to more than 140 countries and territories around the globe. In addition, asianXgames.com offer extensive coverage of the Games.
Related Links
2004 Asian X Games - Main Menu
Asian X Games 1998-2005
All 2004 X Games Events
All X Games Events since 1995
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