Gary Wong, the founder of InspiringHK (“IHK”), has a strong belief in the power of sports in children and youth empowerment. “I grew up in a public housing estate in Tuen Mun and was not very academically competent. Basketball became my best friend and gradually it changed my life. Now through IHK, I would like to share with young people from modest backgrounds the many benefits sports had offered me.” Zimon, the incumbent Chairman, echoed with the founder, “less advantaged young people not only deserve the same learning opportunities and experiences, we reckon that through sports, they will also be able to develop an array of positive values and attributes which will prove fundamental to improving their social mobility in the long run.”

Founded in 2012, IHK has already delivered 10 sports programs, 13 classes and 18,500 training hours to 192 social-economically deprived children and young people. IHK’s model, which offers two years of long-term sports training and extra learning activities including community service, experiential programs and competitions, enables those who are less socially and financially resourceful to enjoy equal and high-quality learning opportunities. Besides, all IHK’s coaches are top-notch athletes with commitment and passion to give back.

Recognizing the social missions of IHK and particularly their work in fostering young people’s positive life values including confidence, perseverance, discipline and teamwork, the Foundation has pledged to support its HOCKEY Inspires! and RUN Inspires! programs for two years from 2016 to 2018. The two programs will benefit 70 primary and secondary school students in Kwai Tsing, Shum Shui Po and Tuen Mun, connecting participating youths from low-income communities to sports, widening their exposure and helping them build a more resilient life attitude.