In its latest project to give the disabled better access to sport, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated close to HK$2.6 million to the Hong Kong Blind Sports Federation (HKBSF) to launch the Jockey Club Sports Programme for Visually Impaired. The aim is to help participants integrate into society and give the most talented the opportunity to participate in local and overseas competitions.
The two-year programme was officially launched today (29 June) by the Club’s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan; Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui; Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Tony Yue; Executive Director of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, Lesley Fung; and the HKBSF's Chairman Chau Tak-wai, Executive Vice-Chairman Roger Ngan, Chief Executive Officer Grace Chan and other guests.
Ms Rhoda Chan noted that the Club was committed to promoting social inclusion, hoping to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. “Through providing training for the visually impaired in marathons, golf and football, as well as making volunteer sighted guides available, we hope they will have equal opportunities to participate in sports and competitions,” she said.
Under the Jockey Club Sports Programme for Visually Impaired, HKBSF will offer systematic and advanced training for the visually impaired. For golf, the visually impaired will be taught the rules and basic golf swings and putting skills, with sighted guides assisting participants to play by describing distance, direction and characteristics of the hole.
For football, due to different levels of visual impairment, all players except goalkeepers are required to wear eyeshades to ensure fairness. The ball is equipped with a noise-making device which allows players to locate it by sound, supplemented by instructions from the sighted guides. Participants will be trained in ball control, passing and shooting skills, as well as attacking and defensive strategy.
Apart from helping visually impaired marathon runners, the programme will provide some 120 sighted guides with training in the sport. Over 1,000 blind athletes and volunteers are expected to benefit from the programme and the most talented athletes will be able to participate in 16 local and overseas competitions to strengthen their skills.
Totally blind Lam Wing-shun, 23, took part in this year’s half marathon after spending two years participating in regular football training provided by HKBSF. “Football broadens my horizons, and the regular twice-weekly training allows me to reach out to other teammates and expand my social network,” he said. “It helps me integrate into society.”
Lam also gained valuable experience in the Thailand Open Football 5-A-Side held in Bangkok last year, where he had the chance to compete with visually impaired football teams from Iran, Malaysia and Russia.
Similar projects supported by the Jockey Club to promote social inclusion include the “i-Run – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon”, organised by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and supported by the Club for a third consecutive year; and the establishment of the i-Runners’ Club which is open to those with intellectual disabilities and volunteers interested in acting as guides. Regular training supervised by qualified coaching experts is provided in different parts of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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The Cluba£į?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan says training in marathon running, golf and football will be provided for the visually impaired and sighted volunteer guides, so that they will have equal opportunities to participate in sports training and competitions.
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The Cluba£į?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (4th left) joins Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui (5th left); Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Tony Yue (5th right); Executive Director of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, Lesley Fung (2nd right); the HKBSF's Chairman Chau Tak-wai (3rd left), Executive Vice-Chairman Roger Ngan (4th right), Chief Executive Officer Grace Chan (2nd left) and other guests to officiate at the launch ceremony of the Jockey Club Sports Programme for Visually Impaired.
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The Cluba£į?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (centre) presents uniforms to the captains of football, golf and marathon team.
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Photos 4/5/6:
Visually impaired player Lam Wing-shun participates in the Blind Football tournament with Kitchee football team.
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