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"I am super happy that my students will be competing in the relay race with corporate members. Not only will it boost their positive energy in daily trainings, but also motivate them to work harder towards their goals."

On a hot summer day, two students from Hong Chi Lions Morninghill School, Tsang Sheung-wang and Choy Sui-hei, came to the KMB Kowloon Bay Depot for a very exciting summer activity. They are two avid runners who are going to participate in the 75-floor relay race (Integration) at Hong Chi Climbathon 2024 in two months' time. To prepare for the competition, they came all the way to the bus depot to team up with members of KMB for a series of trainings.

Persevere Through Challenges

Sheung-wang and Sui-hei have received years of trainings under the supervision of sports teacher Mr. Sze Shing-koi, who is an award-winning runner. Other than these two gifted students, the team also consists of three members from KMB, including Safety Director and Director of KMB Academy Mr. Martin Cadman, bus captain Mr. Hau Yiu-mo, and Mr. Yeung Wai-hung.

Mr. Sze fully supported students to participate in the integrated relay race. "I am super happy that my students will be competing in the relay race with corporate members. Not only will it boost their positive energy in daily trainings, but also motivate them to work harder towards their goals.''

As the training began, Sheung-wang was already in position for his baton exchange training with Captain Hau. With his gained experience from last year's 75th-floor relay race, he spoke confidently, ''I aim for the top five position!'' Sheung-wang is also a very disciplined athlete. ''To better prepare for the competition, I have been undergoing regular athletic trainings at the Special Olympics to practise running and long jump two days a week."

Another student Sui-hei was excited about his first competition at Hong Chi Climbathon. ''It was a pleasure to run the stairs with members of KMB and I very much look forward to the competition that day!'' Soon he began relay training with Captain Yeung. As he reached the exchange point, Captain Yeung gave him a heartwarming high five. To Sui-hei, it was the most heartening and unforgettable moment of the day. ''No matter the challenges ahead, I will put my heart and soul into my regular trainings and do my best in the competition.''

 

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

As one of the leading corporates that embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace, KMB has been encouraging employees to participate in charitable activities. This is their second consecutive year competing in Hong Chi Climbathon as they believe the competition provides an immersive experience for learning about diversity and inclusion. "Running stairs requires endurance. You must be careful with every step and run upward steadily. Likewise, we must learn to take one step at a time in order to lay a solid foundation for diversity and inclusion in the workplace," said Mr. Cadman.

This year also marks their first participation in the integrated relay race. ''This is a very meaningful event for us. Not only does it make a positive impact on the community, but also strengthen our bonds with each other," said Captain Hau. He genuinely admired students' vigorous and competitive spirits in finishing the trainings, despite the extreme heat at the stairs. ''No matter the circumstances, they spare no effort to run towards the finish line.''

In addition to taking part in charitable events, KMB also provides employment opportunities for Hong Chi trainees, who have won positive feedback for their proactive and hard-working attitude, as well as their amiable attribute in maintaining positive relationships with other colleagues.

A Leap to Success

The purpose of stair climbing is far beyond building physical strength. ''There's no shortcut to success. The only way to achieving results is through hard work and discipline. This is an important lesson that motivates our students to push their boundaries and reach their goals," said Mr. Sze.

''Hong Chi Climbathon'' is not only a platform for students and trainees to showcase their talents, but more importantly, a stepping stone that allows them to take the leap and pursue their dreams, from which they would learn to develop a sense of purpose, build their resilience and cultivate a strong team spirit as they compete as a team. These valuable lessons are worth more than just a medal, guiding them to overcome challenges ahead and achieve more success in the future.

 

About Hong Chi Climbathon

First launched in 2004, Hong Chi Climbathon is an annual flagship event that supports Hong Chi students and trainees by giving them the opportunities to showcase their talents through stair running exercise, and crucially, deepen public understanding of people with
intellectual disabilities (PIDs). The fund raised will be used to support the provision of quality services for PIDs and their families.