2005 News Releases

Worldwide Olympic Life-Insurance Partner Sponsors 2005 Awards in bid to help local sports development

Hong Kong— Manulife (International) Limited, the Official Worldwide Life-Insurance Partner of the Olympic Games, is the Gold Sponsor of the “Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards 2005”. Organized by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong (SF & OC, HK) and supported by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, these annual awards recognise outstanding sporting achievements by athletes in Hong Kong and encourage them to strive for excellence. They also aim to promote sports development in Hong Kong, to cultivate a sports culture and endorse sports involvement by the local community.

Manulife has participated as a Gold Sponsor this year to support and pay tribute to those athletes who have made exceptional contributions to the sports community.

“We at Manulife deeply appreciate the instrumental role that these annual Awards play in nurturing our athletes and promoting sports development in our community,” said Michael Huddart, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Hong Kong, Manulife (International) Limited. “They give Hong Kong an Oscars-like platform to showcase our collective achievements in sports while recognising the sports heroes of our community, who have inspired us in their relentless pursuit of excellence. We strive to infuse this relentless pursuit of excellence into what we do every day – deliver the best products and services to our customers.”

Starting from now until December 5, 2005, member associations of the SF & OC, HK can submit their nominations for athletes in the following five categories:

• Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards
• Hong Kong Junior Sports Stars Awards
• Hong Kong Potential Sports Stars Awards
• Hong Kong Sports Team of the Year Award
• Hong Kong Sportsmanship Sports Stars Awards

Profiles of and information about selected sports candidates will be available on the SF & OC, HK Web site ( www.hkolympic.org) and the general public can vote for their favourite athletes/team via this site from December 31, 2005 to January 31, 2006. Results of the Awards will be announced at the Awards Presentation Ceremony held in February 2006.

About Manulife (International) Limited
Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies. Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$360 billion (approximately HK$2,404.3 billion) as at September 30, 2005.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

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For press inquiries, please contact:
In Hong Kong
Helena Lee / Jeanie Ho
Manulife (International) Limited
Tel: 2202 1050 / 2510 3191
Fax: 2234 6875
Email: helena_lee@manulife.com
jeanie_ho@manulife.com