HONG KONG (SE): “I believe that everyone here can feel the energy these young people give off. It is not only their vitality that we can feel, but also their generosity, as our students do not hesitate to do charity… If we want to, we can be like them and spread the message of generosity and kindness,” said Cardinal-elect Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ, bishop of Hong Kong, while officiating the opening ceremony of the “703 Rope Skipping Fun Day” held at Lai Chi Kok Catholic Primary School on July 3.
The Catholic Education Office, the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council, the Catholic Religious Schools Council, and Caritas Hong Kong–Vocational Training & Education Service organised the event to raise funds for the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development to support the construction of new churches, the addition of cemetery niches, and the maintenance of various parish churches.
The cardinal-elect thanked the donors and students from the 111 schools that attended the event. “Society needs the new generation to carry on. We are willing to nurture generations of active and generous angels through our Catholic schools. It is not only for the pastoral development of the diocese, but also for the continuous development of Hong Kong to address people’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing.”
Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, chairperson of the commission, thanked all diocesan schools, and the schools of religious institutes and Caritas, who have joined the event over the past three years to support the fund-raiser. By showcasing the vitality and creativity of participants in videos and on the spot, he believes the annual event has brought surprises to everyone.
I believe that everyone here can feel the energy these young people give off. It is not only their vitality that we can feel, but also their generosity, as our students do not hesitate to do charity… If we want to, we can be like them and spread the message of generosity and kindness
Cardinal-elect Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ
A lightning ceremony was held to open the event, which featured illuminating a cross designed to represent the Church, beneath which tree leaves were displayed by different schools and sponsoring groups, including representatives from Pok Oi Hospital, the Lion’s Club, and Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health.
The donation period began on May 2 and ended on June 16, during which schools were invited to make videos about rope-skipping and collect donations.
“I feel delighted to jump for this event, in the past week, I have been spending some time practising in the morning and night for this occasion,” Nancy Yeung Pui-Yu, a primary five student of Tai Kok Tsui Catholic Primary School, told the Sunday Examiner. She was drenched in sweat after jumping at the basketball court of the school together with over 200 students.
Jackson Cho, a form four student at Shung Tak Catholic English College, says that as a devoted Catholic, he is delighted to participate in the big annual event to contribute to the development of the Church.
“As an altar server at my parish, I pay close attention to every Mass and big events of the Church. It is happy to make our efforts in unity,” he said. Despite rope-jumping not being his strength, he was willing to do his best. “The most important thing is to step out of my comfort zone,” he added.
I feel delighted to jump for this event, in the past week, I have been spending some time practising in the morning and night for this occasion
Nancy Yeung
Zaida Tung, a primary six student and a member of the rope-skipping team at Lai Chi Kok Catholic Primary School, said rope-skipping is her favourite sport. “Skipping allows me to do different movements to music. Whenever I learn a new trick, I feel like I’m making a breakthrough.”
She was glad that she could demonstrate different skills by skipping in playground of her own school.
The Lai Chi Kok Catholic Primary School has had a rope-skipping team for three years to encourage the sport, which is exciting and easy to do in limited spaces.
He shared that for the past decade, skipping has been a favourite sport for students during recess time. Electronic ropes were introduced last year and students’ exercise records were displayed in an app.
“Rope-skipping, which incorporates different body gestures and music, is a good way to train students’ sense of rhythm. Through the sport, they can enjoy themselves, develop confidence and get healthier,” Jacky Leung, a physical education teacher at the school, said.
Moreover, performances demonstrating advanced skills using upbeat music were made by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Federation, China, Lion’s Club Hong Kong Island Jump Rope Team, and students from Yaumati Catholic Primary School [Hoi Wang Road].
