Hong Kong youth were at the heart of the “Fly High Charity Sports Programme 2025” launch at H.A.N.D.S. shopping centre in Tuen Mun on Sunday.
The event saw community members, sports enthusiasts and officials – including Undersecretary for Housing Victor Tai Sheung-shing – kick off a year-long effort to get young people moving.
Organised by Tencent Foundation and People’s Place (under the management of Gaw Capital Partners), the day featured rope-skipping performances, sports challenge stations and booths where attendees tested out emerging sports like pickleball, soft stick hockey and archery.
Hong Kong China Rugby Sevens players Cado Lee Ka-to and Chong Ka-yan took the stage to share their experiences with the crowd.
“The wonder of sports lies in its highs and lows – often, it is through failures and setbacks that we learn the true essence,” they said, highlighting how facing tough opponents builds teamwork and grit.
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This year’s programme coincides with the 15th National Games of China, which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau in 2025.
Tai noted its broader impact.
“Last year, the inaugural ‘Fly High Charity Sports Programme’ helped over 6,000 [low-income individuals] and youth with special educational needs,” he said.
“This year – coinciding with the 15th National Games – the initiative has launched youth sports activities and National Games exchange programmes to bring sports promotion to every corner of the public estates and the community.”
The initiative is supported by four local organisations: the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, the Hong Kong Playground Association, InspiringHK Sports Foundation and China Hong Kong Newly Emerged Sports Association.
They plan to roll out exchanges and events to connect students across the region, offering everything from rugby training for low-income and ethnic minority youth to parent-child sports courses like curling and dodgeball.
There is even a pickleball competition in the works, with the goal of attempting Hong Kong’s first Guinness World Record in the sport.
This year’s programme is expanding to give more students a shot at sports, whether through coaching courses, community fun days or trips to the National Games opening ceremony in Guangzhou.
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Li Tsz-shu, the chief executive of Tencent Foundation, said: “Fly High acts as a pivotal bridge connecting sports, youth and the community. It cultivates a positive environment for youth development and infuses the Hong Kong community with positive energy.”
Ray Hui, the deputy managing director and head of asset management at Gaw Capital, said the company’s various sports venues will host sports courses and competitions, making it convenient for residents of public housing estates, individuals with special educational needs, and ethnic minority members to participate.
“We believe in the power of sports to inject more vitality and hope into Hong Kong,” he said.
