In recent years, young athletes demonstrating exceptional performances both at a local and international level. Moreover, the Education Bureau is considering on placing more emphasis on sports for grading students for secondary school placement. This reflects that society pays more and more attention to sports development in Hong Kong. Established by AS Watson Group in 1989, Watsons Athletic Club has been a steadfast advocate for local youth engagement in track and field activities, acting as a trailblazer in corporate support for sports development. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Watsons Athletic Club, its signature event - the WAC Annual Challenge commenced at Wan Chai Sports Ground on September 28-29 and with upcoming events scheduled on October 5-6. The event has drawn over 6,500 participants joining with the youngest participant aged at 5 years old, recorded a full complement of entries for the 5th year.
From Local To Olympic Stage
Ms. Rebecca Chiu Wing Yin, Community Relations Manager of AS Watson, expressed, "As a former athlete and a mother, I am delighted to see an increasing number of corporates investing in providing sports participation and training opportunities for the next generation. Watsons Athletic Club has been established for 35 years and it is instrumental in encouraging youth to engage in local track and field development through diverse activities, which have nurtured thousands of athletes. Many of them have flourished on both local and international platforms, including Felix Diu Chun-hei, Hong Kong's sprint representative at the Paris Olympics. Witnessing his international representation for Hong Kong deeply moves me, and I firmly believe that Watsons Athletic Club will cultivate more professional athletes with ongoing dedication."
Diverse Competitions Promote Sports Inclusivity
The WAC Annual Challenge is recognised by the Hong Kong China Association of Athletics Affiliates as an accredited event and one of the premier local youth athletics events for athletes to showcase their talents. This year's event has featured respective categories for male and female participants, dividing into six age groups. The Annual Challenge involves a total of 13 track events, 6 field events, and 2 relay events, tailored to the standards of each division. With the commitment of nurturing kids' sports development, the Annual Challenge has been organising the “Kids’ Athletics Challenge”. The principle of competition rules is based on “IAAF Kids’ Athletics Programme”. This year, Watsons Hong Kong extended invitations to beneficiaries’ families from InspiringHK Sports Foundation jointly participate in the Kids’ Athletics Challenge with Watsons Volunteer Team.
To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Annual Challenge will introduce a new relay competition, "4x100 Mixed Gender Relay Challenge" this Sunday, in which some groups and organisations are invited to join, including Hong Chi Association, Hong Kong Baptist University College of International Education - Sport and Recreation Leadership Department, and Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association. This aims to spark positivity, encouraging the community to get involved in social inclusion and sports development.
Cultivating Athletic Stars
Beyond fostering competition and exchange, Watsons Athletic Club places significant emphasis on talent discovery and daily training. Over the past 35 years, the club has enlisted numerous renowned coaches to offer members professional training across track and field disciplines. Watsons Athletic Club has nurtured a wealth of talents over the years, currently comprising over 1,400 members. Nearly 100 athletes and coaches are also the members of Team Hong Kong, contributing to nearly 40% of the entire team, including Felix Diu Chun-hei, who represented Hong Kong in sprinting at the Paris Olympics; Jessica Ching Siu Nga, racewalking representative at the Tokyo Olympics; Ng Ka Fung, the record holder for the 100m in Hong Kong; as well as rising stars Chan Yat Lok, Chloe Pak Hoi-man. Watsons Athletic Club also has year-end performance encouragement bonus and record breaker bonus to encourage and reward athletes and coaches with outstanding performances over the year.
Looking ahead, the club will continue to commit to encouraging kids and youth to participate in sports, cultivating more elite athletes, contributing to the advancement of athletics in Hong Kong.
