Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

We all know the benefits of playing sports and staying active. At the same time, many working people often find it difficult to fit exercise into their busy schedules; and making time to participate in group sports sometimes seems impossible. But what if companies could create sports-friendly workplaces – places which not only foster a sense of belonging in employees, but which also improve their health – and the company’s corporate image in the long run? Perhaps it is time for policymakers to consider such an option.

To help create the change we want to see in society, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong launched our Sport-Friendly Action initiative in 2017, to encourage enterprises to implement sports-friendly policies that motivate employees to exercise and boost their productivity. Since then, more than 18 companies from the finance, logistics, telecommunications, and property management sectors have joined forces to promote a healthy workplace and boost their corporate social responsibility policies.

Two of these participating companies – the Urban Group and Modern Terminals Limited – have recently received the Sport-Friendly Action decal. These companies stand out: not only have they encouraged their employees to participate in sports, they have also organised interest groups and sports competitions to promote body, mind and spirit wellness in the workplace.

Mr Joey Li, the Group Manager of Human Capital and Training for the Urban Group, told us that his company has understood the importance of sports for years, and began organising annual sports events as early as 2002. This year, to further respond to the needs of their employees, the company decided to invite employees and their families to take part in sports activities held in different venues.

“Our employees work in different locations across Hong Kong and Kowloon, which makes it difficult to arrange group events at our office. To make things easier for them, we organised yoga, tai chi classes, and other sports and ball games at different sports facilities around the city. We also paid for employees’ family members to take part in these activities – encouraging them to team up and participate in open competitions on behalf of the company. This policy is not only boosting productivity, but is also deepening bonds, creating harmony among our staff and fostering a sense of belonging. We’ve also noticed that employees who practice sports also take significantly less sick leave. All in all this creates a positive impact on our company in many different ways”, Mr Lee said.

Ms Elin Wong, Head of Corporate Affairs at Modern Terminals Limited, related that, “As we are engaged in the logistics industry, we attach great importance to the wellbeing and health of our employees. Since many of our employees engage in shift work, our sports-friendly measures are designed to incorporate their working lifestyles, allowing them to participate in a number of sports activities and interest courses organised by the company”. Modern Terminals launched their ‘Project Fit’ scheme in 2016 to improve the physical and mental health of employees through sports training and healthy eating. Ms Wong added, “When our employees can feel cared for and have a healthy body and mind, they are more engaged in their work and their productivity will also increase. As such, we fully support the YMCA’s Sport-Friendly Action initiative”.

For more details on our Sport-Friendly Action initiative and to read what participating companies

have to say about it, please click here.

“Cycling for Love” is an annual charity cycle ride held by Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong every Easter. We have now started to accept applications for the 2020 version of the ride. This year, the cycling route will be around Chengdu Qionglai, and in addition to touring the area’s historical and cultural towns, canola flower fields, Tiantaishan, and the Chengdu research facility for giant panda breeding, participants will also have the opportunity to visit local schools and “left-behind children” in this remote mountainous region. As usual, the funds raised will be used to support the “Coach Kindle Hopes” mobile classroom project.

Registration will close on 20 January, 2020. If you are looking to enjoy a meaningful and memorable Easter holiday, please click here for details and to register.

The tenth anniversary of our “Be a Global Citizen Campaign” is approaching fast! Over the past 10 years, this campaign has encouraged many young people to become concerned about society and discuss important societal topics, as well as promoting the idea of global citizenship. To further encourage young people to care about the global events and broaden their horizons, this year we are organising an overseas photography contest, followed by a “10th Anniversary Photography Skills Sharing Session” to be held on 11 January 2020. At the session, renowned travel photographer Night Raven, an expert in urban decay photography, will share their photo techniques with our members, and discuss the local customs and unique stories of different places in their photos.

The event is free, but places are limited so early registration is required.

The 10th Anniversary Photography Skills Sharing Session
Date: 11 January 2020 (Saturday)
Time: 10am to 12pm
Venue: Auditorium 2 and Auditorium 3, Bohemia Art Centre, the YMCA College of Careers
Registration deadline: 4 January 2020
Enquiries: 2781 1411 (Lau Chun Kit) / 2886 2751 (Yip Wai Yee)
Click here for details and to register

YM Fleur, one of our social enterprises, creates dried floral products. We are pleased to announce that on 23 December, YM Fleur opened a new workshop in Kwun Tong. If you are fond of making dried floral products or need small gifts for your loved ones, please come and join the workshop!

Address: Room A9, 8 / F, Hung To Centre, 94-96 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong
Enquiry: 2251 9330, ask for Bobo or Ice

Daffodils are the symbolic flower of the Chinese New Year, and since this festive occasion is approaching quickly, our Siu Sai Wan Centre is hosting a workshop on daffodils and how to get their bulbs to grow.

Date: 5 January 2020 (Sunday)
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Venue: 1/F, Carpark Block, Harmony Garden, 9 Siu Sai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Target audience: Members aged 9-24 and their parents. All members under 13 must be accompanied by their parents,
Cost: HK$60, with three daffodil bulbs and a plastic planter included.
Enquiry: 2896 0308 (Miss Cheung)