The "Hong Chi Climbathon 2024" took place today at Central Plaza in Wan Chai. This annual flagship fundraising event, organized by the Hong Chi Association and co-organized by Sino Group and Sun Hung Kai Properties, received generous support from Central Plaza as the venue sponsor. With the theme “Step Up and Enact Bigger Dreams Together,” this year’s Climbathon attracted near 600 runners for the charity stair race.
We were honored to have Mr. Kevin YEUNG Yun-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, as our officiating guest. The event commenced with the “Hong Chi Charity Invitation Run,” featuring distinguished guests from various sectors who united to raise funds for the Hong Chi Association. Integration Ambassador On Chan, who participated in last year's individual race, teamed up with Hong Chi students for this year’s 29-floor Integration Relay, promoting collaboration between individuals with and without disabilities.
Funds raised from this year’s event will support ongoing quality services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, with a portion allocated to the "Hong Chi Sports and Arts Academy SEED Fund," aimed at helping students unleash their athletic and artistic potential.
Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, Chairman of the Hong Chi Association, expressed his gratitude to all co-organizers, sponsors, and participants, he states that Hong Chi Climbathon is not only a fundraising event, but also an open platform for people with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talents in sports and arts. “I want to take this opportunity to thank all supporters and sponsors, especially the guests in Celebrity Invitation Run.” Officiating guest Mr. Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism remarked that Hong Chi Climbathon is a meaningful event, and he hopes race would foster and spread the spirit of integration to the society.
The opening ceremony featured key figures, including Mr. Edward Yau, Ms. Zuie Lin (General Secretary of Hong Chi Association), Ms. Gloria Chan (Deputy General Manager, Sino Group), Mr. K.W. Lo (Executive Director, Sun Hung Kai Real Estate Agency Limited), and Hong Chi Integration Ambassadors On Chan and Alex Fong.
As the inaugural Hong Chi Charity Invitation Run, we were privileged to host a range of notable guests, including Mr. Stephen Lam, former Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Patrick Nip, former Secretary for the Civil Service, Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University, Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) of Hong Kong Baptist University, Mr. Steven Lam, Co-founder and CEO, GoGoVan, Mr. William Shum, Founder & CEO, Memorigin Watch Company Limited, Ms. Michelle Loo, DJ, Mr. Lawrence Cheng, Actor and Producer, Mr. Boysiu, Producer, Mr. Alan Po, Artist, Mr. Wilfred Lau, Artist, Mr. Harry Ng, Composer and Producer, Mr. Mr. Brian Chow, form DJ, Mr. Tam Fai Chi, Artist, Mr. Mic-go Ngan, Artist and more.
This year’s event included over 40 integration teams, fostering connections between participants and Hong Chi students. On Chan participated in the 29-floor Integration Relay with two students, marking his second year in the Climbathon. Emcee Mr. Alex Lee provided live narration, capturing the race's excitement.
The main stage showcased performances from different Hong Chi schools and service units, including a Chinese drum performance by the Hong Chi District Support Centre and a dance presentation by Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island West Hong Chi Morninghope School. Ms. Chan Yui Lam, a Hong Chi alumnae and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, shared her inspiring athletics journey with fellow runners.
Additionally, charity booths offered handicrafts and snacks made by Hong Chi students and trainees, featuring signature cookies and ceramic products from Hong Chi Social Enterprise. We hope the annual Hong Chi Climbathon serves as a platform to showcase our students' talents and promote social integration and inclusivity. The event concluded around 4 p.m.
Hong Chi Climbathon is not just a charity sports event; it is an opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to shine and pursue their dreams. We look forward to continuing our journey towards a diverse and inclusive society.
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Hong Chi Association (formerly the Hong Kong Association for the Mentally Handicapped), founded in 1965, has grown to become one of the most well-established non-profit organizations dedicated solely to serving over 9,200 people of all ages and all grades of intellectual disabilities and their families in Hong Kong. It operates 104 service units to provide comprehensive services.
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Media enquiry:
Hong Chi Association - Communications and Fund Raising Office
Tel: 2661 0709｜Email: cfr@hongchi.org.hk
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