This week’s question: What cool trick would you use as a sports ambassador to excite teens about sports? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, November 19.
Charmaine Tse Oi-ching, 13, Stewards Pooi Kei College: Being an admirable athlete in Hong Kong goes beyond winning the most medals or setting world records. It involves defying limits with enduring resilience. One such athlete is So Wa-wai, known as the “Magic Kid” of Hong Kong Paralympics. His spirit remains unbroken, even when his body has been pushed to its limits. Rather than asking about his race strategies or the number of medals he has won, I would pose a different question: “What keeps your resilience alive today on your journey as a Paralympic athlete?” It is a simple question, but one that has the potential to foster my personal growth. I genuinely admire his resilience throughout his career and his dedication to pursuing excellence.
Katie Lam, 16, GCC & ITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School: Lee Tsz-yuen is a prominent handball player and the goalkeeper for the Hong Kong National Team. His remarkable skills and dedication to the sport have made him an inspiration for many aspiring athletes, including myself. I want to ask him about the journey that led him to pursue handball professionally. Specifically, I would inquire about the motivations that led him to overcome the challenges of being a goalkeeper. As someone who plays the same position, I understand the fear that can come with facing high-speed shots from opponents. I want to learn how he managed to conquer his fears and develop the mental resilience necessary to excel in such a demanding role. Furthermore, I would love to hear his thoughts on the future of handball in Hong Kong. His insights could provide valuable guidance for young athletes looking to make their mark in this exciting game.
Zhang Ching-nga, 18, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School: I would ask Chan Ho-yuen why he continued to strive for excellence as a professional wheelchair badminton player, despite the numerous obstacles he faced. Additionally, I would inquire about the most significant challenge he has encountered along the way.
Chelsea Chan Wing-tung, 14, St Mary’s Canossian College: Siobhan Haughey is a swimmer who truly impressed me during her competitions in 2020, bringing glory to Hong Kong. Since then, she has become a role model for me, and I hope to meet her someday. I have also watched several of her interviews online, where her persistence and dedication to swimming really inspire me. To achieve outstanding results, she has had to balance her daily swimming practice with her academic responsibilities. I find this particularly challenging, as managing my time effectively while juggling multiple commitments is difficult. I would love to learn how she accomplished this. Additionally, as someone also interested in sports, I would appreciate any advice she could offer to fellow athletes.
Joyce Wong Sum-yi, 15, Our Lady’s College: Lai Chi-wai is a highly inspirational figure for me. Despite losing his legs in a tragic incident, he continues to achieve new heights and never loses hope. I would ask him how he lifts his spirits when he feels lost and whether he ever feels disappointed knowing that he won’t be as athletic as he once was.
James Lok Pak-hei, 16, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College: David Muoka is a Hong Kong-born player in the G League, which is the developmental league of the US NBA. As a teenager who loves basketball, I would ask him what motivates him to pursue a professional career in the sport, especially given that many people believe the future of professional basketball in Hong Kong is not bright. The challenges he has overcome must have been very difficult, yet he still managed to make it into the NBA.
Juniper Lai Hiu-yan, 12, St Paul’s Co-educational College: I would choose Ho Yuen-kei as my inspiration. She is a Paralympic athlete who was born with spinal muscular atrophy. I learned about her during a presentation she gave at our school. I really admire her determination and hard work in achieving her goals. If I could ask her a question in person, I would inquire about her key to success and seek her advice on how to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Yu Cho-yan, 16, Leung Shek Chee College: I would love to meet Hong Kong’s foil fencer legend, Cheung Ka-long. I would ask him how he maintains his composure during competitions, especially during the fiercely contested foil final at the 2024 Olympics. I’m curious about his strategies for staying focused and inspired, which have led him to win gold medals in two consecutive Olympics.
Kele So, 17, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School: Chan Ka-yi is a breakdancer who represented Hong Kong in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. I love dancing as well, and my favourite style is hip-hop, which is similar to Chan Ka-yi’s. I hope to shine just like her. Therefore, I want to ask her how to overcome challenges such as feeling tired during practice, experiencing dissatisfaction with my performance and dealing with mistakes.
Law Chun-chun, 15, Ho Yu College and Primary School (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen): Ceci Lee Sze-wing is a prominent cyclist recognised for her accomplishments in track cycling. I would ask her about her experiences in overcoming career challenges, particularly how she balances training and competition with the pressures of being a public figure in sports. Additionally, I am curious about her thoughts on the future of cycling in Hong Kong and how she inspires younger athletes.
