“Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Jockey Club Walking Football Project” Closing Ceremony and Research Sharing Session
To encourage active participation in sports and maintain physical and mental wellbeing among senior citizens, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (the “Association”) introduced Walking Football from the UK ten years ago and has continued to promote it ever since. Since 2021, with the generous support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, we launched the “Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Jockey Club Walking Football Project” to actively promote the development of Walking Football within the community.
Over the past four years, the project has provided physical fitness and Walking Football training to 2,449 participants. We have also organised leagues, coaching and referee training courses, and numerous trial sessions, reaching a total of 16,000 participants, and successfully integrated Walking Football into the daily lives of senior citizens. In February last year, the project hosted the Walking Football Asia-Pacific Invitational Tournament 2024 and the Walking Football “Golden Age x Rehabilitation” Sharing Seminar to promote Walking Football among seniors, while encouraging participation from individuals undergoing rehabilitation for better physical and mental health.
Mr. Johnny Wong, Acting General Secretary, delivered a speech.
The closing ceremony and research sharing session for this project took place on 23 May 2025 at Kowloon Centre. The event was well-attended by Mr. Johnny Wong, our Acting General Secretary, and Mr. Brandon Huang, Deputy Executive Manager of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities, together with over 100 participants.
Dr. Claudia Wong, Assistant Professor of the Department of Health and Physical Education at The Education University of Hong Kong, shared the findings of a three-year tracking study conducted for the project.
Participant Mr. Poe Leung remarked that serving as a referee and coach in the project has enriched his life experience.
We invited Dr. Claudia Wong to present her research findings, which analysed the impact of Walking Football on participants’ physical and mental health. The study revealed that just eight weeks of training could improve physical fitness and psychological resilience. Long-term participation further enhanced mental health and social skills, demonstrating significant positive effects.
Participant Mr. Poe Leung shared his journey from participant to referee and coach. He said, “Walking Football is safer than traditional football. The rules protect participants and reduce the risk of injury. The classes allow me to meet new friends and expand my social network, and I feel much happier. Besides, serving as a referee and coach has enriched my life. Although I faced challenges in refereeing and teaching, I was able to apply my football expertise and passion, and gain a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.” His transformation from participant to advocate for walking football is evident.
In addition, awards were presented to the winning teams of the fifth season of the Walking Football tournament. Two participants also shared their experiences with the project, showcasing its achievements.
For details about upcoming Walking Football training courses, please visit the Kowloon Centre website: http://kln.ymca.org.hk .
DSE results release support to cheer up candidates
With DSE results day just around the corner, our Chai Wan Centre, Kornhill Centre, and Siu Sai Wan Centre are hosting “Chillax Y2K 2025”, a series of support events for DSE candidates, to provide emotional support and positive vibes during this important time. Running throughout June and July, the programme offers a range of activities designed to help students approach results day with a positive outlook.
Throughout June, the three centres will offer one-to-one support sessions with qualified social workers, providing emotional support and advice on further education and career pathways. University students will also be on hand to share tips and strategies for university admission interviews, helping candidates prepare mentally for the next stage in their education journey. July will see a variety of outdoor and indoor art activities designed to help students de-stress and maintain their physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. On 14 July, two days before the results day, we will be hosting a “support hub” where DSE candidates can connect with one another, share their worries, and build a positive mindset for the big day.
If you are interested in joining any of these activities, you can sign up and find out more at: https://forms.office.com/r/Shyw5CzuqX
For enquiries, please contact Miss Gigi Luk on 2896 0308 or via WhatsApp on 5720 2247.
In addition, Chai Wan Centre’s “Non-Sleeves 2025” event will take place on the eve of results day from 15 to 16 July. The centre will be open all night, from midday on the 15th until 6 pm on the 16th, with sports and music activities on offer. Light snacks and drinks will be provided free of charge throughout the evening, and participants are encouraged to unwind and de-stress through various interactive activities like crafts and board games. DSE candidates are invited to join us, relax, and get ready to embrace the future!
Dates: 15-16 July 2025
Time: 2 pm (15 July) – 6 pm (16 July). Further details will be available on the event poster.
Location: G/F, Sui Lok House, Siu Sai Wan Estate (next to Chai Wan Police Station)
Cost: Free
Target: DSE candidates
Enquiries: 5573 3748 / 2898 3802
The Harbourview awarded diamond class in the "Food Wise Eateries" scheme
The Harbourview’s Harbour Restaurant has achieved diamond class – the highest level of recognition – in the Environmental Protection Department’s “Food Wise Eateries Scheme”, recognising the hostel’s commitment to promoting sustainable dining practices, supporting the Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign, and implementing a food waste recycling programme. The Harbourview will continue to lead by example, working with partners to champion waste reduction and contribute to the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Cityview prioritises staff wellbeing and foster a healthy workplace
Work and wellbeing go hand in hand. A healthy work environment not only protects employees’ health and safety but also boosts an organisation’s productivity and competitiveness.
The Cityview, has always upheld a people-centric approach, striving to create a caring and dynamic workplace. Recently, the hostel joined the “Joyful@Healthy Workplace” programme, an initiative led by the Department of Health, Labour Department, and Occupational Safety and Health Council, and signed the relevant charter to promote staff wellbeing, focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, and mental wellbeing, while encouraging staff to approach daily work challenges with a positive attitude.
Hong Kong team wins awards at Odyssey of the Mind 2025 World Finals
The winners of the Odyssey of the Mind Hong Kong Regional Tournament, organized by the Association, were recently announced. Before the Hong Kong team departed for Michigan State University in the US to compete in the World Finals in May, a special send-off ceremony was held, inviting Mr. Leung Siu Keung, former Principal Assistant Secretary (Professional Development and Training) of the Education Bureau, as a guest to encourage the teams and wish them every success in the competition.
Held from 21 to 24 May at Michigan State University, the Odyssey of the Mind 2025 Global Finals attracted over 800 teams from 12 countries and regions. The Hong Kong team led by the Association competed against talented teams from around the world. The team from Buddhist Wong Wan Tin College achieved second place globally in the Problem 2: “Mech-Animal Sidekick (Division II)”, while the team from CUHK FAA Thomas Cheung School secured fifth place globally in the Problem 3: “Classics…Cooking with Books (Division II)”. In addition, during the Creativity Festival, members of the Hong Kong team engaged in cultural exchange through traditional paper cutting, inviting participants from other regions to experience Chinese culture. Such experience not only provided students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and knowledge but also broadened their international horizons and created lasting memories.
Deaf Students from the Institute of Christian Ministry deliver powerful sign language gospel drama
On 26 May 2025, the Institute of Christian Ministry co-organised “The Third Hong Kong Deaf Evangelistic Meeting”, hosted by Agape Love Deaf International (ALDI), with the theme “Are You at Peace?” Ten students from the Institute’s “Certificate in Personal Growth for the Deaf” dedicated months of preparation to deliver a passionate performance of a sign language gospel drama. Through their vibrant and heartfelt portrayal, they shared the gospel message with the 218 participants. The drama centred around the challenges faced by a deaf individual experiencing exclusion in the workplace and a lack of understanding from family due to low income. With encouragement from a pastor, the protagonist accepts Jesus Christ as their saviour, finding spiritual release and reconciliation with colleagues and family. Following the meeting, a deaf participant shared, “The story was very relatable and resonated deeply with the deaf community’s experiences.” Inspiringly, 13 deaf individuals made professions of faith at the event. We are grateful for the students’ hard work, which has yielded such fruitful results, and pray for God’s continued guidance in their new lives in faith.
Scholars visit YMCA to trace Lu Xun's legacy
We recently welcomed literary scholars specializing in the works of Lu Xun from Beijing, Japan, and Korea, who were participants in “the Fifth Joint Conference on Humanities for Young Scholars in Beijing and Hong Kong”, jointly organized by the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Institute of Modern Chinese Humanities at Peking University. During their visit to Hong Kong, they sought to trace the legacy of the literary giant, gaining insights into the context of his writing.
In May 2025, our staff hosted over 20 scholars at the Bridges Street Centre, guiding them through the grand hall where Lu Xun once delivered lectures. Together, they explored and shared insights on the cultural legacy he left behind. During the tour, our staff also shared information about the Association’s long-standing community service in Hong Kong and its evolving role and mission throughout the years. We remain committed to promoting and preserving this century-old cultural landmark and its rich humanistic value.
Our commitment to the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) since 2019 reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our organisation’s approach to development and the YMCA 2030 Vision for sustainable development in Hong Kong. Apart from publishing the ESG Impact Report, YMCA also endeavours to integrate ESG concepts into our daily operations. This column is dedicated to sharing with our members our ESG initiatives regularly.
CYMCAPS students launch eco-initiative and perform with homemade instruments to promote green living
Seven Primary 5 students at Chinese YMCA Primary School (CYMCAPS) are working hard to make their dream of promoting environmental awareness a reality. Inspired by the school’s “Environmental Action Day”, where a realistic, five-metre-tall polar bear visited the campus, the students felt compelled to protect the environment. With their teacher’s encouragement, they formed an eco-group called “GreenProtector@Cymcaps”, brainstorming ways to take collective action.
Entirely student-led, with teachers acting as mentors, “GreenProtector@Cymcaps” uses recycled materials from the school to create musical instruments, which they then use in performances to promote green living within the community. Despite initial setbacks, such as unanswered emails and rejected proposals, they persevered, embracing the motto “failure is the mother of success”. They created a social media page, composed songs, and used AI to draft emails, inviting schools and media outlets to participate in their activities. Within just four months, they have collaborated with district councillors, kindergartens, and community organisations to host numerous eco-instrument workshops and performances, steadily gaining recognition within the local area.
Principal Ms. Mah Wing Yee noted that the students’ ability to put classroom knowledge into practice is profoundly inspiring and praised their commitment to such a meaningful cause at such a young age. The dedication of “GreenProtector@Cymcaps” even moved parents, initially “observers”, to attend and support their first performance. The group plans to recruit younger students in the future to ensure the continuation of their eco-conscious mission.
As city dwellers who often work overtime and frequently perform repetitive motions, we are more susceptible to joint pain or sports injuries that can affect our quality of life. The Association’s Health Care Professions Department is launching a regular monthly column and publishing short articles about self-care. Topics covered will include arthritis, joint pain and self-healing. For more detailed health-related information, please visit our website: hcp.ymca.org.hk or call 2783 3616for inquiries.
"Does the Perfect Sitting Posture Really Exist?"
Many people ask, “Besides the ‘sit up straight, don’t slouch’ advice we’ve heard since childhood, what else should we pay attention to for the perfect sitting posture?”
From an ergonomic perspective, there are some basic principles for good sitting posture:
– Feet flat on the floor, with knees flexed 90-110 degree
– Lumbar spine properly supported to maintain its natural curve
– Elbows relaxed, forearms parallel to the desk
But does maintaining this so-called “perfect posture” really prevent muscle stiffness and pain?
Recent studies suggest that postural variability is far more important than maintaining a single posture. Prolonged static postures, whether upright or slouched, place excessive stress on specific muscle groups, leading to fatigue and discomfort. In contrast, frequently changing positions helps distribute pressure across different parts of the body, reducing strain on muscles and joints.
So, how can we maintain a healthy body? The key is movement. It’s recommended to:
– Change your posture every 30 minutes
– Perform simple stretches to relax tense muscles
– Strengthen core and back muscles to improve overall stability
In conclusion, while there are established standards for “perfect posture,” they should only serve as general guidelines. Instead of rigidly pursuing a single “correct” posture, let’s learn to listen to our bodies. The best posture is your next posture. Let posture be a dynamic process, and that is the true path to health.
＊Some of the programmes are subsidised by the Social Welfare Department
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