Yhk 9 1 fit together

a quarterly journal from the hongkong federation of youth groups

March 2017

Volume 9 Number 1

Youth HONG KONG

Fit Together

Contents

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March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

OVERVIEW

Volume 9 Number 1

8-15 INTERVIEWS

OVERVIEW 4 Feeling fit: reality and rewards

Insight from Prof Stephen Wong

Chinese University INTERVIEWS 8 Growing support

TK Yeung Sports Commission 10 Rethinking fitness

Sophia Chan Food & Health Bureau 12 Lacking energy

Dr Lobo Louie Baptist University 14 Eating well

Sylvia Lam HK Dietitians Association TEACHERS SPEAK 16 Working it out Motivation YOUTH SPEAK 18 Get moving!

YOUTH WRITE 20 Balancing life Stephanie Hung YOUTH WATCH 22 Measuring up Jennifer Lam PERSPECTIVES 26 Rekindling passion Ada Chau 28 Inspiring Agnes Chan 30 Eight Tips 32 Keep going 30+ CITY SPACE 34 Rowing Lu Chan Tsz-wai 36 Letting go Kate Lee TRAVEL & CULTURE 38 Elephants Katherine Gudgin 40 Keeping old stuff Ada Chau HKFYG 42 Camps Adventure awaits 44 Community sports Teaming up 46 Run for Wellness 47 Fat Choi restaurant 48 Dragon Foundation Golf Tournament 49 A Cappella Festival

Singers without Borders 53 Surveys Youth IDEAS

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16-19 TEACHERS SPEAK YOUTH SPEAK

20-25 YOUTH WRITE YOUTH WATCH

26-41 PERSPECTIVES FEATURES

42-55 HKFYG

Editorial March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

In spite of full acceptance of the fact that fitness is something positive − good for the body, mind and spirit − current research reveals that levels of physical activity among young people in Hong Kong do not even meet the minimum standards laid down by the World Health Organization.

In this issue of Youth Hong Kong, we try to understand why by talking to health and sports professionals, academics and to young people themselves. We also try to assess the validity of the normal excuses of lack of time, too much study, lack of parental support, limited facilities and little self-discipline.

What is clear is that there needs to be change. Not just in Hong Kong, but around the world. Let us consider how to rectify the current situation.

Dr Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP Executive Director, HKFYG

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly

by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups EDITORIAL BOARD Rosanna Wong Elaine Morgan (Editor) Ada Chau (Assistant Editor) William Chung Andy Ho Lakshmi Jacotă Angela Ngai Hon Advisers Henry Poon Veronica Pearson CIRCULATION (unaudited) 11,000-12,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors’ and interviewees, may come from official sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or publisher REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited

OVERVIEW Elaine Morgan INTERVIEWS Elaine Morgan Ada Chau OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Virginia Addison Katherine Gudgin Stephanie Hung HKFYG Youth Research Centre TRANSLATION Ada Chau & Angela Ngai PHOTOGRAPHS Acknowledged as captioned, stock images, public domain or by Elaine Morgan TRADEMARKS All brand names and product names are registered trademarks.

Youth Hong Kong is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in articles.

ARTWORK, DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRINTING DG3 ISSN 2071-3193 (Print)

ISSN 2519-1098 (Online) WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk CORRESPONDENCE to The Editor, Youth Hong Kong, 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong TEL 3755 7084, 3755 7108 FAX 3755 7155 EMAIL youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk ADVERTISING enquiries to Ada Chau 3755 7108 The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups was founded in 1960 and is the city’s largest non-profit youth organization. Its programmes and activities at over 60 locations have annual attendance of 5 million.

CORE SERVICES Youth SPOTs, M21 Multimedia Services, Employment Services, Youth at Risk Services, Counselling Services, Parenting Services, Leadership Training, Volunteer Services, Education Services, Creativity Education and Youth Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Services, Research and Publications WEB hkfyg.org.hk m21.hk

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Overview March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Feeling fit reality and rewards A

re priorities and prejudices working against fitness becoming a cultural norm in Hong Kong? For young people, lack of time is often cited as a reason, as is too much homework. What can be done to reinforce the benefits of physical exercise so that it becomes part of routine?

by Elaine Morgan

There is growing concern about exercise not being among the priorities of young people’s daily lives. Not only does physical activity have physical health benefits, it is also known to contribute to sense of wellbeing and both emotional and mental health. However, making physical activity and vigorous exercise part of everyday routine is not easy. Lack of time, excessive school work and a dearth of motivation are among the reasons and there is an urgent need to change attitudes if only to prevent long-term public health issues.

Hong Kong is not alone, according to the Global Matrix Report Cards1 which synthesize data on youth physical activity in 38 countries. The report on 3-18 year-olds in Hong Kong shows that they fall into a similar category as others in the region according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.2 For example, their participation in organized sport is graded C minus, the same as South Korea. For participation in school PE, programmes offering opportunities for physical activity and related policy, we get a C, like Thailand. For overall levels of youth physical activity the city scores even lower, obtaining a D like Malaysia. This is the same as the grade for family 4

support for young people’s participation in physical activities. Such low scores across the board do not bode well.

Chief Lead Investigator for the Hong Kong Report Card, Prof Stephen Wong Heung-sang, Chairman and Professor of the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, says that the evidence-based synthesis done in Hong Kong was based on a wide range of major data sources, including the International Physical Activity and Environmental (IPEN) Project and the longitudinal Understanding Children’s Activity and Nutrition (UCAN) study,3 as well as academic journals and government reports.4 It is the most comprehensive information on the subject available and primarily based on the data of about 74,000 6-17 year-olds at 400 schools.5

Figures can be incomplete, dated and unrepresentative.

Despite such shortcomings they can be a strong policy driver.

Fitness test data included by Prof Wong’s team comes from a large-scale government study conducted in 20112012 which compares 2009 data established by the Sports Commission’s “Sport for All” consultancy study. The comparisons show that proportion of “active” adolescents who meet the “Baseline Indicator” level set by government had fallen from 48.6% to 42.1% over a two-year period.6 However, this basic indicator level is much lower than the WHO’s international recommendations. The WHO recommends at last 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day. The “Baseline Indicator” used by the government is half this amount. Furthermore, the government data is already five to six years old. Prof Wong calls for strong government support to collect and analyze new data for the next Report Card which will be published in 2020.

Such low scores across the board do not bode well.

The top countries in the Global Matrix include Denmark, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Zimbabwe, but their grades are not high in all categories.7 No country in the Asian region earned an A. Indeed, “As” were very rare in any of the 38 countries surveyed. However, the data could not produce uniform findings given that its quantity 5

Overview March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

and quality varied substantially from country to country.8 Prof Wong points out that the cross-country comparisons inevitably suffer from limitations: figures can be incomplete, dated and unrepresentative. Despite such shortcomings, he believes this type of matrix has the potential to be a strong policy driver for individual governments.

Given that there is a global phenomenon of physical inactivity among young people, the question is how might the trend be reversed? The leader of the Global Matrix research team, Dr Mark Tremblay of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, believes that “automation, mechanization, urbanization, and digitization have reduced physical activity levels globally. What we need now is to be “physically active year round, through outdoor play, transportation, recreation and sport … This is the contemporary global challenge for all countries.”

Meeting the challenge is complex. “Countries with the most active children and youth overall… rely on very different approaches to get kids to move more,” adds Tremblay. “But what is consistent between all of them is that physical activity is driven by pervasive cultural norms – being active is not just a choice, but a way of life.”9 In Hong Kong, it is almost universally accepted that norms include hurried, packed schedules, too much homework and too much pressure. This results in young people who have low energy levels, who lack adequate sleep and often eat badly. It is not unknown for otherwise fit children to want to skip PE lessons sometimes, only because they are exhausted from a late night of doing homework. So how can fitting in daily exercise become a priority, especially for young people?

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Figures can be incomplete, dated and unrepresentative.

Despite such shortcomings they can be a strong policy driver.

Some Hong Kong teachers, recognizing the seriousness of the situation and being sensitive to trends, are already addressing this issue. They are introducing a measure of fun into PE lessons while working within official curriculum guidelines. They say this is effective but many schools do not have the resources to diversify PE adequately and their teachers are aware that this strategy does not deal with the fundamental issues.

One answer that lies within WHO recommendations10 is to shift responsibility onto families and the community instead of relying on school PE. How might this be achieved?

Hong Kong has an excellent network of hiking trails. It also has good public parks and public sports grounds. The challenge is to increase them, upgrade their facilities and use them. As the WHO says, activity can include not only organized sport but active play and games, even simply walking and cycling, especially if for getting to school and home again. With an emphasis on variety and the inclusion of physical activity in daily routines, activity has a much stronger chance of becoming embedded in cultural norms.

Physical activity is driven by pervasive cultural norms – being active is not just a choice, but a way of life.

Anguished concern about childhood obesity and the increasing lack of physical activity among young people, both starkly revealed by facts and figures, will continue to be manifest unless people take responsibility for themselves. Until then, nothing will change. Perhaps

with consistent reminders about the benefits of physical exercise, packed schedules and attitudes can change, as well as the negative stereotyping of sports by parents who think sport is a waste of time. The celebration of good health and investment in its benefits − physical, mental and emotional − must surely be a priority if we are to improve and move on from grade D upwards. 香港人生活節奏急促，需要兼顧的事務繁多，以致投入運動的時 間愈來愈少。對青少年而言，功課量多、學習壓力過大，亦是其 少做運動的主要因素。我們如何能改變現況、扭轉既有觀念，讓 運動回歸日常生活當中？今期，我們亦會探討運動與情緒健康的 關係，讓讀者從多方面了解運動對青年、大眾生活的影響。其實， 香港不乏良好的運動條件或設施，例如擁有天然優美、選擇眾多 的遠足路線、設備充足的公園及公共運動場、體育館等；關鍵是 我們如何鼓勵公眾，特別是青少年，更多善用這些設施，並建立 穩定、良好的運動習慣。

Paradoxical statistics?

The aerobic fitness of over 1.1 million 9-17 year-olds in 50 countries was compared in another recent research th th study. Hong Kong ranked 38 overall, well behind mainland China at 25 . Justin Lang of the research team commented that data across all countries revealed that lower levels of aerobic fitness was negatively correlated with income inequality. This means that poor aerobic fitness in Hong Kong and elsewhere is associated with a large gap between the rich and the poor. Lang suggests that these results may appear skewed and perhaps Prof Wong’s point about the limitations of multi-centre, large-scale studies could help explain this. Lang comments that, “The general lack of publically available country-level data, especially for Hong Kong and China. In an ideal world we would have recent data for every child in Hong Kong, but this is not always possible.”

More details bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2016/09/20/bjsports-2016-096224 Sources 1. The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance organized the concurrent preparation of Report Cards on the physical activity of children and youth in 38 countries from 6 continents (representing 60% of the world’s population). Nine common indicators were used (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments). Data from the Report Cards were graded (from A = excellent, to F = failing). Findings are summarized in the form of a Global Matrix demonstrating substantial variation in grades both within and across countries. Countries that lead in certain indicators often lag in others. activehealthykids.org/ 2. World Health Organization guidelines say 5-17 year-olds should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity every day. Those aged 18 and above should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week or at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_recommendations/en/ 3. IPEN ipenproject.org/; UCAN study (Understanding Children’s Activity and Nutrition) researchgate.net/publication/263199660_Association_between_neighborhood_built_environments_and_children’s_physical_activity_A_pilot_study 4. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hong-kong-long-form-report-card-2016.pdf lists 5. Huang, YW & Wong, SHS et al. Results From Hong Kong’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13 (Suppl 2), S169 -S175, 2016. dx.doi. org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0302 6. Paras 3.3 and 6.6.10 lcsd.gov.hk/en/healthy/physical_fitness_test/common/physical_fitness_test/download/SummaryReport_en.pdf 7. op cit activehealthykids.org/ 8. Tremblay Mark S. et al. Global Matrix 2.0. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13 (Suppl 2), S343 -S366, 2016. dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0594 9. op cit activehealthykids.org/ 10. op cit who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_recommendations/en/

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Interviews March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Growing support for sport C

ommissioner for Sports, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, explains directions and priorities in a five-year plan to improve sport and exercise infrastructure.

A keen sportsman himself, Mr Yeung is encouraging about the future of sport development in Hong Kong.

“With the announcement of a Five-Year Plan, sport was given special emphasis in this year’s Policy Address.

It shows the long-term commitment and the level of importance attached to it by the government.”

Naturally in his position as Sports Commissioner, he is upbeat. Among the government’s three policy objectives is promoting sports for all and developing a strong sporting culture in the community. This involves encouraging both participant and spectator sports and offering choice at all levels and for all sectors of the community.

Reflecting on his own background, Mr Yeung can see remarkable change in attitudes. “Thirty years ago, most parents wanted their children to focus on academic studies and did not encourage them to get actively involved in sport.

Some teachers and parents even warned us about going to certain football pitches.” Why? Sport was not considered useful for future careers, there were concerns about injury and it was believed that children could get into the company of triad gangs in certain areas. “I would never tell my parents I was going to play in an interschool competition either.

They would not have approved,” he says with a wry smile.

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Many parents come to support and cheer on their children at interschool matches and junior competitions. That would have been beyond imagination in the old days!

Today, however, Mr Yeung says he has seen widespread growth in parental support, an optimistic sign given the views of others in this field. “Over the last 10 years or so, more people have begun to realize how good exercise and sport are for physical and mental health, for building team spirit and leadership, for personality developing including learning how to respect rules and opponents, and how to accept success and failure. More and more people now see the importance of exercise, diet and nutrition, and many parents come to support and cheer on their children at interschool matches and junior competitions. That would have been beyond imagination in the old days!”

Asked about priorities, his immediate response is facilities. “There is a shortage of hardware. Schools, sports organizations and members of the public are all competing for venues.” Indeed, the focus of the Commissioner’s work is sports policy, planning major events and developing facilities with earmarked capital funding of HK$20 billion for 26 new projects.

by See-ming Le flic.kr/p/e47Uhj

New Sports Facilities to Come

New Territories Kowloon

Lantau

Projects for technical feasibility studies

Hong Kong Island

Projects to be launched in the coming 5 years

Source: HKSARG 2017 Policy Address

Citing a few examples, Mr Yeung mentions a new sportsground in Tuen Mun, football pitches in Tai Po and Yuen Long, and an indoor sports centre in Ma On Shan. To maximize resources and allow all-yearround use of swimming pools, all 18 districts will have heated pools, after the conversion of the Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool Complex in Wong Chuk Hang.

Apart from the Five-Year Plan, the government has also allocated land to the Hong Kong Football Association and the Hong Kong Cricket Association for a training centre and practice ground on restored landfill sites in Tseung Kwan O and Kwai Chung respectively. The Kai Tak Sports Park − the most important sport infrastructure project on the drawing board − will provide modern multipurpose will provide modern, high-standard multipurpose venues for hosting major events and for public use. for hosting major events and for public use.

Some of the facilities will be up to Olympic standards.

With an estimated budget of HK$32 billion, construction is subject to approval by Hong Kong’s Legislative Council.

The Commissioner speaks also about fostering a bicyclefriendly environment. Inevitably, he says, progress will be slower in older residential and commercial areas.

“Nevertheless, it is realistic over time to create long cycling

tracks, from Sha Tin to Tuen Mun, for example.”

An urban bike hire system, similar to that in place in other major cities, is also under consideration by the Transport Department. However, Mr Yeung, a former District Officer in Yuen Long, is mindful of the many conflicting views that can delay progress despite good intentions.

As a squash enthusiast who is also a runner, footballer and golfer, Mr Yeung is very aware of the multiple benefits of exercise. “Some people want to join competitions, others just want to enjoy exercise as a form of recreation.”

The social aspect of sport and the way it brings people together are very important too in crowded Hong Kong, and the city’s glorious glorious countryside means that everyone can enjoy being fit with friends. “I always tell my colleagues that many of my good friends are former teammates. Every time we get together we enjoy talking about matches we played, even if they were 30 years ago!” 民政事務局康樂及體育科體育專員楊德強先生為讀者介紹香港未來 五年的體育發展計劃，其中最重要是興建更多體育設施，以及為本 地運動員提供更多支援。楊專員表示，長遠來說，政府希望鼓勵更 多人參與運動及建立運動文化。楊專員亦特別提及，過去 10 年間， 社會大眾對體育運動所帶來的好處，有更深入認知；父母較過往 支持子女運動，也會親自到場支持子女比賽。為了應付更多大型比 賽，政府未來將投資 200 億於 26 個項目上，包括於各區興建各種 運動設施及啟德體育園區等。

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Interviews March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Rethinking fitness

why it matters I

n a society where academic achievement matters more than any other outcome of education, Professor Sophia Chan, Under Secretary for Food and Health, says attitudes have to change in order for exercise and fitness to be given higher priority.

At a time when physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem around the world, the perplexing question is what will persuade people to get active and stay fit.

Professor Chan says that as a policymaker and from her personal perspective, she sees three forms of motivation that may work. “Knowledge of the benefits of exercise comes first.” The unquestioned benefits of regular activity of moderate intensity include weight control, healthy bones, muscles and joints, as well as reduced risk of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer. “Few people would argue with this but that doesn’t mean they all take exercise,” she points out.

“Second come values and attitudes that recognize the importance of lifelong fitness and make it a priority.” This means that exercise should be enjoyable. “Physical education at school can be so boring,” continues Prof Chan. “PE also needs to be given more weight than at present in the school curriculum.” Otherwise, the attitude that results are more important than health and fitness will be perpetuated. This attitude also permeates the workplace. Instead, employers can choose to be in the vanguard by providing facilities and emphasizing the importance of keeping fit. “After all,” Prof Chan points out, “exercise improves performance, reduces absenteeism and helps people become more productive.”

From a public health perspective this means individuals taking on responsibility for their own health and fitness instead of always expecting medical care to be provided.

“Otherwise, Hong Kong’s public health system will 10

become unsustainable as the problems we have today escalate. The responsibility for health through exercise is not only for themselves but on behalf of families, friends and colleagues,” Prof Chan reminds us.

The third form of motivation comes from learning opportunities, says Professor Chan. These can be in the form of infrastructure and facilities or guidance and teaching. “Mobile phone apps and wearable fitness devices, for example, are all good.” They give structure to workouts and monitor progress in fitness routines. “Once you get started with these it is possible to work out how to fit exercise into your schedule.”

Making time for exercise is the old bugbear and lack of time is a common excuse but there are ways around this problem. “Have you heard of Zero-Time Exercise?”

Professor Chan asks. This FAMILY Project, organized by the University of Hong Kong and funded by Hong Kong Jockey Club, encourages using time to advantage when you are otherwise just waiting or inactive. They involve keeping moving, stretching and building strength.

“Even just clapping your hands uses energy and the more vigorously you clap, the more energy you use,” says Professor Chan, demonstrating her point. “It’s a question of getting started, getting your foot in the door.”

Guidelines for physical activity: 5-17 year-olds

The entire society needs to rethink the time that should be spent on physical activity.

These helpful strategies are most welcome when Hong Kong’s poor results for youth fitness have recently featured in the media as findings in international surveys. “I think parents are a big factor. Their priorities, knowledge and attitudes govern their children’s lives and if they continue to be oriented towards academic achievement, exercise will never be allotted enough time, Professor Chan warns. “The entire society needs to rethink the time that should be spent on physical activity.”

In order to identify and plan for such a rethink, the Department of Health developed its 2008 framework document, “Promoting Health in Hong Kong: A Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.” This included setting up a Working Group on Diet and Physical Activity whose work involves making recommendations on health improvement in relation to healthy diet and physical activity.

Action on diet, childhood obesity and child-onset diabetes is also part of the strategy. “We are very concerned about these problems and the government’s Eat Smart campaign has worked well in primary schools to combat the problem of overweight and obese children,” as 2015/16 statistics show. Official statistics on physical activity in childhood and youth are updated periodically. The most recent are based on data collected in 2011/2012 and they show that levels of youth physical activity fell from 2008 and 2011.

Going forward, the Department of Health will continue to promote better health through more exercise, via campaigns according to its Strategic Framework. Young people are encouraged to join the proposed voluntary health insurance scheme. “Terms will include improved comparability and improved transparency,” says Prof Chan. “The scheme is intended for hospitalization only and we hope young people will buy in, thereby planning for the future. That will increase the size of the risk pool bigger, thereby lowering the premiums.”

At least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily • Mostly aerobic • Vigorous muscle-strengthening and bonestrengthening at least 3 times a week Moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise eg brisk walking, water aerobics, tennis (doubles), cycling on level ground, sports involving catch and throw (such as volleyball and baseball) Vigorous-intensity exercise eg jogging, fast swimming, fast dancing, jumping rope, tennis (singles), basketball, soccer, weight-training or circuit-training Other activities that count Moderate eg stair-climbing, carrying small children, mopping floors, scrubbing bathtubs Vigorous eg playing with children or dogs at a fast pace, gardening such as continuous digging Heart rate guide Moderate-intensity target heart rate = 50%-70% of maximum heart rate Vigorous-intensity target heart rate = 70% to 85% of maximum heart rate Maximum heart rate is based on age. Estimate maximum by subtracting age from 220 Further details and information about children and youth with disabilities.

Department of Health, HKSARG change4health.gov. hk/en/physical_activity/guidelines/elders/index.html

“Our main objective is to create a more sustainable public health system for an ageing society,” concludes Prof Chan.

For this there is no question that the self-discipline and mindfulness involved in keeping fit will be a top priority. 食物及衞生局副局長陳肇始教授認為，香港社會普遍側重學術成 績，忽略了健康、體能的重要性，故此社會有必要強調運動帶來 的好處，並鼓勵市民建立終身運動習慣。陳教授表示，要達至此 目標，需要各界積極配合，例如僱主更願意提供理想運動環境， 讓員工可於工作場所進行合適運動等；此舉除了讓員工獲益，亦 有助他們提升工作表現。同時，市民亦應多做運動，保持健康， 這不單對自己有益，亦有助減輕公共醫療體系的壓力。陳教授建 議市民可以留意更多流動裝置上的應用程式，它們既方便又便宜， 可以幫助個人建立自己的運動目標，並按步達成。最後，陳教授 強調，衞生署將繼續積極向市民推廣健康生活。 Sources 1. family.org.hk/en/health-communication/0-1-exercises/ 2. change4health.gov.hk/en/strategic_framework/index.html 3. chp.gov.hk/en/data/1/10/757/5513.html

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Interviews March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Lacking energy

and encouragement W

hat is most likely to prevent young people from getting and staying fit? Lack of energy, says Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak of the Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University.

“Students in Hong Kong have too much homework and not enough sleep. Worse, some of them – especially girls – are underweight. They eat badly, diet to lose weight, and then of course they have no energy. Not surprisingly, they don’t want to take exercise.”

Dr Louie goes on to lay blame at the feet of parents as well.

He says that parents should be vigilant about underweight children, especially since recent statistics state that as many as 21% of girls aged 13-19 are below weight for their age. This phenomenon is generally ascribed to the “thin is beautiful”

concept widely promoted in the media. It leads to over sensitive adolescents who don’t conform to what they perceive as the norm. They feel labelled and ashamed.

Emphasizing equally the importance of sleeping well, Dr Louie points to a recent survey which shows that girls in senior secondary school sleep for less than seven hours a night during the school week. Boys do little better, with just over seven hours, but most teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep each night to function best.

Sleep affects physical and mental health tremendously but many people in Hong Kong do not get enough. Lack of sleep adversely affects metabolism, mood, concentration, memory, motor skills, stress hormones and even the immune system and cardiovascular health. Sleep allows the body to heal, repair and rejuvenate itself in a way it simply cannot when a person is awake. Inadequate sleep means the brain does not work well and it is difficult to concentrate.

It makes you sluggish and disinclined to get moving.

The local education system is not helping either, Dr Louie notes, saying that some more affluent parents may send their children to overseas boarding schools precisely so they receive the right guidance and discipline in physical education. By contrast, he says, “There are regulations in some Hong Kong primary schools that give children a penalty if they just the stairs two at a time.”

Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer weather means that energetic activity almost always makes clothes sticky with sweat. Asked whether there are enough indoor facilities which might encourage young people to take more exercise in

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by Tommy Wong https://flic.kr/p/hcoQ9

There are regulations in some primary schools that give children a penalty if they take stairs two at a time.

the need for the coordination of multiple government departments, mitigate against change. “For example, for more bike lanes we need Transport Department policy to be made. For recreational cycling, LCSD has to be involved.”

summer, particularly when it is polluted outdoors, Dr Louie laments the lack of a widespread practice of wellresourced schools opening their facilities to students from other schools after-hours and at weekends.

Looking on the bright side, Dr Louie is very upbeat about wearable fitness devices. “The technology is at the top of international trends in fitness and has been for two years,” he enthuses. “Although many schools don’t allow such devices on campus, outside school they attract young people to fit workouts into their schedules and monitor their progress.” There is an element of peer support here as well which acts as reinforcement.

Where exercising outdoors is concerned, again he points the finger at parents. “Mothers don’t like girls going out in the sun. They think they will get sunburned and many parents are not supportive in general when it comes to physical fitness. They prefer their children to work hard and get good results. More diversified educational goals would improve the situation, as would more parent education.”

To conclude, Dr Louie returns to the importance of getting the right combination of sleep and the right food, because without them there will be no energy for exercise. For youth in Hong Kong today, fitting in sufficient sleep and exercise in a schedule already crowded with schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, and ensuring that they eat the right food is a challenge for parents and educators alike.

Walking or cycling to school and back could improve things. Instead, as Dr Louie points out, it is normal for Hong Kong schoolchildren to be picked up near home and bussed to school and back. For this to change requires better footpaths, over- and under-passes, and an adequate system of bicycle lanes. All of these factors, compounded by

香港浸會大學體育學系副教授雷雄德博士認為，青年不喜歡做運 動的原因很多，包括功課過多、缺乏睡眠及體重過輕等。雷博士 表示，超過兩成 13 至 19 歲的香港女性體重屬於過輕，顯示她們 受「瘦即是美」的文化所影響。他認為家長有責任留意自己子女 的身體健康狀況。另外，有研究指出，香港青年的睡眠質素欠佳， 女高中生每晚的睡眠時間少於 7 小時，而男高中生則僅僅多於 7 小時，較建議的 8 至 10 小時為少；缺乏睡眠深深影響青年身心 健康及運動表現。雷博士認為，要改善情況，家長及學校需要共 同努力，扭轉社會一些既有觀念，例如過於側重學業成績而忽略 運動體能、女生普遍認為皮膚白晢才是美等等。政府亦可考慮更 多跨部門協作，為市民提供更多有利運動的設施，例如增加單車 徑等。 pp If they walk, a helper often carries their bags.

13

Interviews March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Eating we L

ocal culture, peer pressure and parental influence all have an impact on what young people eat. Ms Sylvia Lam See-way, Chair of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association, says the first priority should be balance.

Getting food balance right is a hot topic for anyone interested in health and fitness. For students who eat breakfast on the way to school and go to the nearest noodle stall for lunch, it can sometimes be a challenge. Having the right ingredients in your breakfast is a good place to begin tackling an excess of carbohydrate and oil and a shortage of fruit and vegetables, so common in children’s diets today.

Although there are mixed opinions on whether eating breakfast actually prevents weight gain, there is no argument over the best ingredients. “Whole grains, low fat milk, fruit and nuts are ideal, but overweight children tend to skip breakfast,” she begins. “Not surprisingly, they are so hungry by lunchtime that they eat all the wrong things: big plates of rice with a fried topping, few vegetables and lots of sauce.” n Fu

ller fli

c.kr/p/98RDD

Nevertheless, obesity has fallen among younger Hong Kong children, thanks to the government’s Eat Smart at School primary school campaign, for which Ms Lam is a Steering Committee member. Unfortunately, the problem has not disappeared. Instead, girls and boys at Hong Kong secondary schools are putting on weight.1 For this phenomenon, Ms Lam blames the school environment, lack of focus on healthy nutrition in the curriculum, peers who reinforce bad habits, and parents who don’t control them.

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by Travelwayoflife flic.kr/p/bW4c6d

Ia by

“Some Hong Kong parents and grandparents like to overfeed children,.” Food is used as a reward, for doing well at school, for finishing homework, for being good. Children love comfort food and they love sugar. If they run around a lot they can burn off the calories but more and more children spend a lot of time sitting still, glued to screens. “By the time parents see a child is overweight, bad eating habits have become engrained and it’s more difficult to change.”

Another major factor influencing what children eat is what their friends buy. “Many convenience stores now have sandwiches and wraps. Smaller portions with lowfat options are available at fast-food outlets. But how many peer-conscious teenagers are happy to stand out from the crowd? Most are conformists. When all their classmates are eating big burgers and fries, or siu mai dripping with oily sauce, if they buy a salad instead, they fear being labelled as food freaks.”

Ms Lam’s work involves helping anorexic and bulimic girls. “Anorexic girls are often high achievers, like their parents, but have little confidence in their appearance.

They compare themselves with thinner girls and long for compliments.” Classmates may not help and can be unwittingly cruel.

Body-shaming can follow and the girls begin to hate the way they look.

Their self-esteem goes into a downward spiral.

“Parents may not even notice what’s happening but their daughter may have begun drastic dieting, maybe eating just a couple of apples all day. Believing that exercise means weight loss, she may then go running but she won’t be enjoying it. She will be scared,” Ms Lam continues. “Girls like this fear mockery from their friends and adverse comments from parents. It is a struggle that takes years to overcome.”

However, even for health-aware parents with normal children it’s an uphill job to ensure a balanced, healthy diet. Many of them are out at work all day and have little time in the evening. They probably don’t cook much themselves but at least a third of them have a domestic helper.2 With an eye on the household budget, their cook may not necessarily be using the healthiest ingredients to prepare dinner. “If the kids like the food on the table the parents tend to opt for a quiet life,” Ms Lam points out.

In restaurants, she suggests asking the children to choose. “Encourage them to remove fatty poultry skin, order less rice, always have a plate of vegetables and ask for siu tong [less sugar] in drinks.”

Getting sugar and salt right is particularly important.

However, Ms Lam, chair of a sub-group of the government’s new Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food, advises “Anybody who takes vigorous exercise in Hong Kong’s hot summer weather needs more salt than usual.

Sugar is also fine, as long as you don’t exceed the guidelines of 5%-10% of total energy intake.” Still, don’t forget to read the label, given there are so many hidden sources of salt and sugar in sauces, drinks and canned or frozen foods.

It is not a question of all or nothing. It’s a question of education and balance.

The good news, Ms Lam tells us, is that developed society marketing strategies are beginning to change. “Instead of all TV stars and models being skinny, it’s becoming increasingly common to hear that fitness is beautiful and having more muscles is a symbol of health.” Let’s hope this is a long-lasting trend that takes on in Hong Kong soon. The main thing is to avoid extremes, she advises.

“There is no need to forbid children all fast food and there is no need to diet excessively. It is not a question of all or nothing. It’s a question of education and balance.”

Nevertheless, parents have to try to be role models, she suggests. “If they really want their children to cut down on sugary drinks they have to do so as well.”2 At least there’s no need to overspend, says Ms Lam. “I don’t recommend fashionable drinks like almond milk or coconut water and I’m not pro-organic. Bearing in mind both quality and quantity, it’s not difficult to find good plain food like eggs, nuts and pulses, fruit and vegetables that are not expensive.”

心臟及腦血管病檢查預防中心高級註冊營養師林思為小姐認為， 文化、同輩壓力及家長都會影響青少年的飲食習慣。對於那些要 趕在上學途中進食早餐及在外午膳的學生來說，要養成均衡飲食 習慣並不容易。林小姐舉例，過重的學生傾向不吃早餐，故此午 餐時已經過餓而導致吃得更多、更不健康。有見及此，政府積極 在全港小學推行「健康飲食在校園」計劃，小學生超重問題漸見 改善。但如果要改善中學生的問題，則需家長、校方等共同努力， 讓學生明白健康飲食的重要性。林小姐特別提及因過分注重外表 而引發的厭食問題，她認為父母應該時刻留意子女的飲食變化； 假如發現子女有厭食傾向，應該盡快尋求專家協助。

Notes and sources 1. legco.gov.hk/yr14-15/english/panels/fseh/papers/fseh20150414cb2-1182-7-e.pdf 2. By the mid-2000s, over half of all Hong Kong’s married mothers with degrees had a domestic helper. economist.com/news/asia/21716584-there-obvious-solution-asias-looming-labour-shortage

By 2013, one Hong Kong household in three with children had a helper. asianmigrantcentre.org/hong-kong.

15

Teachers speak March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Motivation working

W

hat makes people take exercise? Nine PE teachers, volunteers and coaches at city fitness centres exchange views on finding motivation to last a lifetime.

Today’s PE teachers and fitness coaches focus on activities that are enjoyable, fun and healthy. They say social reasons, being part of a team, pride at doing well and popularity among peers are important motivators. Fitness for its own sake and the sense of wellbeing it brings is another powerful incentive.

Louise, a former gymnastics teacher and now a personal coach, thinks the two best incentives for young people are “Team spirit and having a break from work or studying.” Ken, a volunteer golf teacher with underprivileged children, says that teamwork helps students progress, whereas hockey instructor Eric says being in a competitive team will make people try harder − after all, who wants to let their teammates down?

However, “…feeling good, looking good, having good health and having fun are the most powerful, motivating and empowering factors”, according to secondary school teacher Mike. His school uses fitness testing and makes the grades public. “I feared that it would increase pressure on the students. They are already overscheduled and in my view the main hurdle to achieving and maintaining a healthy balance is pressure.”

Ho-ming talks about the ways in which approval from a personal coach alone can be a great incentive to improve further, and Mike then goes on to tell the story of one struggling, overweight boy. “He knew it would take a lot of hard work to improve his grades but decided to start on the 16

it

out

treadmill. Whenever he asked me for access to the cardio area he looked downhearted, but within a month things changed. He started running more lightly on his feet and going faster. His face brightened when we met. ‘I’m getting there,’ he grinned, showing me his times and distances.”

If students commit to regular workouts and start feeling the physical, mental and emotional benefits, their motivation will shift and they will begin working out for intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards. If they also start to lose weight that makes a big difference and hockey coach Eric thinks it is one of the strongest incentives.

However, as Ben, another secondary school PE teacher, explains, some students dislike exercise because it makes them sweat, and overweight people sweat more than others. Indeed, embarrassment is one of the top reasons why people avoid working out and although going to the gym can be fun, as coaches Ho-ming and Tim remind us, it may not work as a counterbalance if you are also embarrassed about being overweight.

Approval from authority figures and peers certainly matters for most people, although not everyone agrees that these extrinsic rewards work well as incentives. Bonnie, a secondary school teacher with 13 years of experience, points out that, “Competitions, where the reward is winning, provide targets. These bring out the best in students as long as they enter races at the right level for their ability.”

by Brandon Binkwilder Santana flic.kr/p/oaPHxi

“Students usually keep going if they think they can reach their target. It all depends on positive reinforcement.”

Reinforcement and the social element of taking part in big organized events are the key to motivation in many people who enjoy being part of the carnival atmosphere and don’t think about winning. Support from friends and the satisfaction of finishing are enough.

Those who exercise as a family group find extra incentive, although only a minority do so. Eric believes that “Parents who encourage their children play a very important role.” Fencing coach Tim says lack of parental encouragement is one of the most common excuses for not wanting to take exercise.

How can PE teachers help pupils get over their exercise hurdles? Being creative makes all the difference, says Ben. “If students don’t like traditional PE, try some interesting games and competitions instead.” Bonnie agrees. Their school has introduced One Sport One Life, an after-school co-curricular programme where students can choose a sport for an interest class in basketball and soccer, but some nontraditional sports such as K-pop dance and Frisbee are also options. Adventure activities like rock climbing and rope course challenges are also popular if resources allow.

Bonnie’s colleague Joseph, while agreeing that winning is a good motivator for high achievers, also believes that motivation depends very much on ability and expectations. “I don’t think that trophies work well as motivators for PE in general. Teachers need to work with those who don’t win, convincing them that they are not losers, asking them not to give up and to learn from mistakes rather than focusing on medals.”

Joseph also pinpoints a disincentive. “Some students stop exercising because they cannot get good results.”

He agrees with Bonnie that suitable goals are essential.

Acknowledgements and thanks

To conclude, Mike says, “You need good judgment to choose the right activities and make them both fun and challenging. Let the kids choose. Never pressure them.”

“Find out what they enjoy,” says Louise, who agrees with a comment from squash coach Ho-ming that it’s very important to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Golf coach Ken stresses that, “Coaches need to have patience and empathy.” Tim, Ken and Eric say teamwork activities work best, especially if there is an added element of fun, whereas Bonnie believes targets are essential. Ben and Joseph simply say that the best way to motivate students is via strong communication skills.

These teachers, with their firm belief in developing a lifelong love of being active, are all great role models.

[In alphabetical order by name of organization.]

Louise | Coastal Fitness Web coastalfitnesshk.com

Eric, Ken and Tim | InspiringHK Sports Foundation Web inspiringhk.org/

Bonnie, Joseph and Ben | HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College Web hlc.edu.hk

Ho-ming | OneStopSquash Web onestopsquash.com/

Note Personal names have been changed or omitted where contributors have indicated a preference to remain anonymous.

17

Youth speak March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

M

ost Hong Kong people prefer exercising in simple, low-cost ways. Thirty young people in our mini survey agree. They also say their main motivation is health.

Why Do You Exercise?

For me it is all about health. That’s enough. It’s precious.

Secondary students For health

Tertiary students or young workers For health

33.2%

To keep fit

44.5%

For stress relief

43%

22.2%

For relaxation

To keep fit

I enjoy competing

I enjoy it for its own sake

14.6%

22.2%

11.1%

9.5%

How Much Vigorous Exercise Do You Take Each Week?

Secondary students None Once a week Twice a week 3 times a week 5 times a week

Tertiary students or young workers

38%

6.3%

Once a week Twice a week

18% 6.3%

20%

3 times a week

25%

4 times a week

20%

30% 30%

What Else Do You Do In Your Leisure Time?

At home I always listen to calming music but I also like to use my brain so I play some brain games as well.

Secondary students

Tertiary students or young workers

Watch TV or use a smartphone/ computer

42.9%

23.8%

School work

Rest or sleep

33.3%

18

Watch TV or use a smartphone/ computer

22.2%

Rest or sleep

77.8%

What’s Your Favourite Sport?

Basketball! There are courts everywhere. I practice with my friends and we are competitive enough to be in the league together.

Secondary students

Running

Tertiary students or young workers Running

36.8%

Swimming Badminton

33.3%

Swimming

31.6%

33.3%

Basketball 33.3%

21.1%

Volleyball

33.3%

ets g r a hat’s Best: Competitive Team Sports orSetting/Meeting Your Own T

W

?

10.5%

Setting my own goals means I feel more in control.

I weigh myself regularly and use a smart watch every day.

Tertiary students or young workers

Team sports

28.6% Both

28.5%

Team sports

36.4%

Secondary students

Setting/meeting my own targets

Setting/meeting my own targets

42.9%

63.6%

Where Do You Exercise?

I always do some exercise at home. In my mini-gym I have a set of dumb-bells, a resistance band and a fitball. I fit it in whenever possible and it’s free.

Secondary students

Outdoors, including in hot weather

Indoors preferably

71.4%

66.7%

Yes

28.6% No

33.3%

Yes

Tertiary students or young workers

Also sometimes at home

No

23.8% Yes

76.2% No

Outdoors, including in hot weather

Indoors preferably

Also sometimes at home

72.7%

63.6% 36.4%

54.5% 45.5%

Yes

27.3% No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Reality check Our mini-survey reflects the findings of a 2012 Hong Kong government survey of thousands of secondary students.

Proportion who take at least 60 minutes of moderately intense exercise every day:

Boys 12.8%

Main reasons

Favourite sports

Girls 4.2%

Improving ability

Running or walking Basketball Swimming

Wanting better health Releasing pressure Source lcsd.gov.hk/en/healthy/physical_fitness_test/common/physical_fitness_test/download/SummaryReport_en.pdf

19

Youth write March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Balancing life

by Stephanie Hung

Growing up in Hong Kong meant I had to do team sports at school: swimming, basketball, gymnastics, crosscountry running, even hurdling at one point. All of them had something to teach me − balance, strength, dexterity, coordination, teamwork. Now, I usually play badminton or table tennis, do yoga or go to the gym with my colleagues. In chillier weather we do charity runs, hiking or biking. They are all great ways to workout, physically and mentally and they are also a wonderful way to bond.

Recently I tried something new: a unicycle. My brother, always an avid fan, has astonishing skills but I must admit, the first time I tried it I was a little afraid.

There seemed so much to remember. Balance suddenly became a 360° necessity. There were no handlebars and I grasped at railings for dear life. I tried get my feet parallel with one another to start off − not as easy as it sounds − and then there was the business of actually staying on the seat. It was… interesting.

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Stephanie Hung is a newly qualified barrister and former contributor to Youth Hong Kong.

Now, every time I ride a unicycle, I feel stronger.

As with all such sports, an immense amount of concentration is required, but that makes it a workout for the brain as well as the body. It really improves my core strength and is a total distraction from mundane concerns. In fact, there is a lot more to unicycling than meets the eye: freestyle, flatland, street, trials, muni (mountain unicycling), distance and racing as well as unicycle-powered hockey and basketball.* Once you’ve got the basics, your horizons are infinite!

But to me it is more than just a sport. It means lending others a helping hand when they fall off. It is about taking responsibility, learning how to maintain the unicycles, keeping them clean and stowing them properly. It is also about determination – when you fall off uncountable times before finally getting the hang of it, you learn the lesson: success does not come easily.

Some specialists say that the most important quality for determining a person’s potential for success in life is their level of grit – the factor which makes you keep going when the going gets tough – and getting on a unicycle after falling off, again and again, involves quite a bit of that, as my scars go to show.

It’s also about independence, just think where a unicycle might take you and where you might take it… *More information International Unicycling Federation: unicycling.org/unicycling/disciplines/

Good balance is important for many activities. Some people don’t realize they have weak balance until they try balance exercises. You can do them anytime or anywhere.

Balancing ti ps

The Unicycling Association of Hong Kong, China (UAHK) provides unicycles and coaches for more than 20 schools. It invites instructors from Taiwan and offers students the chance to perform at events. In January 2017, UAHK participated in the “Vita Green Cycling for Health Marathon Challenge 2017.” Then in February, it organized its first competition for Hong Kong schools and its members performed at the 2017 Peacemakers’ Cultural Celebration. President, Kevin Hung, says, “We saw the success of unicycling in countries around the world and the potential benefit it could bring to Hong Kong and wanted to provide Hong Kong youth with another activity that promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle outside the classroom.”

More information facebook.com/UAHKC/ In Japan, the Ministry of Education has required schools to provide unicycles since 1989. Unicycling is not only taught in class but is also enjoyed by children during recess and they wear no helmets, no kneepads and have very little supervision.

As Matthew Thibeault, an American teacher in Japan says, “I see kids being challenged and encouraged to do things that I have never seen kids encouraged to do in the US… and with equipment that would be considered risky there.”

Source Rich, M. “Tools to help Japanese Schoolchildren find balance: Unicycles.” New York Times, 19 November 2016. nytimes.com/2016/11/19/world/what-in-theworld/tools-to-help-japanese-schoolchildren-find-balance-unicycles.html

1. Stand on one foot for 10 seconds on each side.

1 2. Walk heel to toe in a straight line for 20 steps.

2 3. Start on your hands and knees on a mat or folded blanket then stretch one hand 3

out in front of you and stretch the opposite leg out in the air behind you. Keep your core muscles contracted to help you balance then repeat on the other side.

4. Lift one knee up until your hip is bent at a 90-degree 4 angle. Hold it there for as long as possible.

5. Do yoga or Tai Chi 5

21

Youth watch March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Measuring up A

ctivity and the right diet play an important part in keeping people of all ages healthy. Jennifer Lam looks at youth around the world to see how they measure up.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for 5-17 year-olds. For the over 18s the guideline is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week in bouts of at least 10 minutes. Intensity matters as much as time and extra time exercising means extra health benefits.1 The WHO explains that “physical activity” includes exercise, defined as “planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful” and other activities including active play and active transportation such as walking and cycling to school or work. Such activity, combined with a healthy diet, reduces the risk of becoming obese or overweight, the prevalence of which has increased at an alarming rate. In 2015 the number of overweight children under 5 years old was estimated at over 42 million and about half of them live in Asia.2

The Global Matrix of Physical Activity in Children & Youth, a survey which covered 38 countries in 2016, included Hong Kong and Shanghai. Information about 3-18 year-olds was collated and graded. Sources included government and academic reports. The three top countries were Denmark, Slovenia and the Netherlands.3

HONG KONG

n 77% of 6-12 year-olds exercise for less than the 7 recommended 60 minutes daily. n 7% in this age group did no exercise outside school PE classes.

AUSTRALIA

n 19% of 5-17 year-olds and 18% of 12-17 year-olds 4 meet WHO exercise guidelines. n 51% of 12-17 year-olds who report doing physical education (PE) do at least 120 minutes per week and 31% do at least 150 minutes per week. Some children do no PE at school. n 19% of 5-14 year-olds are classified as overweight and 7% are obese. n 22% of 18-24 year-olds are overweight and 15% 5 are obese.

As girls have lower participation in sports than boys, the Department of Health launched the Girls Make Your Move campaign using mass media and social media, aimed at encouraging 12-19 year-old girls to become 6 more interested in physical activity.

22

n Fewer than 50% of their parents exercised with them once a month or not at all. n About 60% of secondary 1-6 pupils take vigorous exercise 1-2 times weekly on average. n 76% take daily moderate to vigorous intensity exercise, such as stair-climbing, daily. n 81.6% enjoy PE lessons at school. n Nearly 42% think PE is good for stress-relief, n 31.3% want longer PE lessons.. n 49.5% take part in sport outside school hours or off 8 school premises.

Obesity and overweight fell among primary pupils from 21.4% in 2010-11 to 18.7% in 2014-15 but grew among secondary school students in the same period, from 18.7% to 19.4%. The StartSmart@school.hk and EatSmart@school.hk campaigns are trying to 9 encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

INDIA

n 70% of children aged 13-15 get too little exercise n 33% of 18-25 year-olds take no exercise 10

n About 40% 26-46 year-olds take no exercise

n 25% of the over 25s suffer from hypertension, a 11 rising trend in younger people Diabetes is also becoming more common in 20-30 year-olds, exacerbated by lack of exercise and sedentary behaviour. Over 20% in this age group are overweight or obese, thus also considered a high risk for cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases as well as cancers. The WHO says these account for 60% 12 of all deaths in India. A national strategy for more physical activity in children and youth, not focusing 13 only on competitive sports, has been called for.

JAPAN

MAINLAND CHINA

n Across China, 23% of boys and 14% of girls are considered obese or overweight according to a US 18,19 survey published in The Lancet [2014] n 19.7% of Shanghai schoolchildren meet WHO physical activity guidelines with participation of 12% 20 of girls and 17% of boys in organized sport.

Overall, boys (21.6%) are more active than girls (17.6%). From 1985-2014, obesity in rural children jumped sharply, from 0.5% to 30.7% in boys and from 0.8% to 20.6% in girls, according to a regional 21 survey. The number of under-14 diabetics has almost 22 tripled. A national programme has been launched to improve sports facilities in schools, to increase exercise space to at least 2.3 square meters per capita and to require at least one hour of vigorous physical 23 activity three times weekly of all students.

Japan does well th

n 53% of boys but only 26% of girls in 5 grade are active for over seven hours a week. n 9.9% of fifth grade girls and about 25% of middle 14 school girls don’t exercise outside school. n Self-reported participation in sport among 6-11 year-olds is 44% for girls and 61.8% for boys; among 12–14 year olds it is 68.7% and 90.1% respectively and in 15-17 year olds it is 45.7% and 15 70.2% respectively.

Childhood obesity, at 8.14%, is low for the developed world. Children from Fukushima are the most obese, with 15% of 9 year-olds 20% heavier than the norm for their age, due in part to fears that playing outside 16 will expose them to harmful levels of radiation. Lack of exercise is blamed for an increase in a complaint known as floating toe or flail toe, where one or more toes does not touch the floor. About 92% of 5 year17 olds are affected.

An international research team in the US studied aerobic fitness in 1.1 million 9-17 year-olds in 50 countries using a standard 20m shuttle run test.

Findings published in 2016 showed that the top five for cardiovascular fitness were Tanzania, Iceland, Estonia, Norway, and Japan. In another 2016 study, conducted by Imperial College in London, predictions were made that 20% of the world’s adults will be obese by 2025. Over 25% of the world’s severely obese men live in the US and 20% of its severely obese women.

The countries most affected by the rapid increase in obesity are the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand, whereas obesity is less than 5% for Japanese women.

Sources medicalxpress.com/news/2016-09-country-comparison-child-youth.html mobiefit.com/blog/world-health-day-one-fifth-of-theworld-could-be-obese-by-2025-says-study/

23

Youth watch March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

SINGAPORE

n 75% of 13-19 year-old Singaporeans and 69% of 20-39 year-olds take some form of exercise at least 24 once a week. n 13-15 year-olds spend an average of 18 minutes per weekday engaged in moderate to vigorous activity 25 but only 8 minutes per day at weekends. n Physical activity outside school or work amounts to over 10 hours a week in only 9% of 15-29 year-olds n 22% of children have no physical activity outside 26 school. n Obesity in schoolchildren is 12%.

27

The Ministry of Education recommends 2-2.5 hours of timetabled PE per week for all school children, 28 stating that this must be implemented by 2017.

29 Singapore’s Health Promotion Board plan aims to achieve greater awareness of the importance of healthy living by 2020 through comprehensive school 30 and community activities. School canteens are encouraged to use healthier ingredients and sell lowercalorie drinks to meet reduced-sugar requirements.

SOUTH KOREA

n 16.8% of middle school and 11.9% of high school students participate in 60 minutes of moderate to 31 vigorous exercise on 5 or more days per week. n 72.1% of middle school and 31.6% of high school students participate in school sport clubs. n 66% of primary pupils, 57.2% of middle school students and 14.8% of high school 32 students do 3 or more PE classes weekly. n 14.7% of primary pupils are obese and 18.2% 33 of middle and high school students. n 26.4% of boys are either overweight or 34 obese, nearly twice the number of girls.

35

A 2014 study found that physical exercise was positively associated with alleviating suicidal thoughts and attempts among adolescents, among whom suicide is the leading cause of death.

The government has launched plans to overhaul its annual school health checkup system to focus on early prevention of childhood obesity with cholesterol testing, tests for Insulin Resistance 36 Syndrome and waist measurement.

24

UNITED KINGDOM

n 63% of boys and 38% of girls meet the WHO 37 recommendations for daily exercise. n Only 19% of schoolchildren (aged 5-15) do at least an hour of moderate intensity physical activity per 38 day (15% of girls, 22% of boys). n 34% take part in organized sport outside school (35% of boys, 21% of girls). n 74% of children spend less time outdoors than prisoners.

39

n 20% do not play outside on an average day.

n 9.3% of 4-5 year-olds in first year primary school in England are obese and 12.8% are overweight. n Obesity in 10-11 year-olds has risen from 19.1% to 19.8%, with a further 14.2% classed as 40 overweight.

The Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of health charities and medical organizations, wants the government to introduce a levy on highly-sugared soft drinks by 2017 and to restrict marketing of junk 41 food to children, online and before 9pm on TV.

UNITED STATES

n 21.6% of children aged 6-19 meet WHO physical activity guidelines. n 29% of high school students do at least 60 minutes 42 of physical activity daily. n Adolescents have 23 minutes of physical activity at school on average, accounting for over half of the 43 42-minute daily total. n 62% of boys and 53% of girls participate in school 44 or community sports teams. n Fewer than 48% of high school students went to PE classes on one or more days a week. n About 1 in 5 school-aged children is classed as 45 obese or overweight. n 13.9% of high school students are obese and an 46 additional 16% are overweight.

Among 12-15 year-olds, only about a half of boys and one-third of girls had sufficient levels of cardiorespiratory fitness in 2012. In 2016 the government released a new National Physical Activity Plan outlining a strategy for increasing the 47 physical activity level across the US population.

Note 2014-2016 data unless otherwise stated.

Sources Note Country information is for 2016 unless otherwise stated.

1. who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/9789241599979/en/ 2. who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood/en/

22. 2012 statistics. theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/feb/12/ chinas-body-mass-time-bomb-policymakers-tackling-rising-obesity

3. activehealthykids.org/the-global-matrix-2-0-on-physical-activity-for-children-and-youth/

23. nextshark.com/chinese-youth-getting-fatter-weaker-lazier-study-finds/

4. activehealthykidsaustralia.com.au/siteassets/documents/ahka-2016-summary_form-report-card.pdf

24. sportsingapore.gov.sg/about-us/~/media/corporate/files/about/publications/sports%20index%20 2014_key%20highlights.pdf

5. clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/knowledge_base/organised_sport/sport_and_government_policy_ objectives/childhood_obesity

25. 2012-2013 statistics. ttsh.com.sg/about-us/newsroom/news/article.aspx?id=4097

6. health.gov.au/internet/girlsmove/publishing.nsf/Content/home

26. nyc.gov.sg/images/initiatives/resource/nys/YouthSG_RC_Digital.pdf

7. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/1960396/drink-and-move-it-hong-kongchildren-dont-get

27. sportsingapore.gov.sg/about-us/~/media/corporate/files/about/publications/sports%20index%20 2014_key%20highlights.pdf

8. Statistics in points 4-9 in this section are from the HKFYG survey: yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news. aspx?id=7c5a61de-3d10-45fd-95e5-b0e38599663c&corpname=yrc&i=9587&locale=zh-HK

28. ifaq.gov.sg/MOE/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx

9. news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2016/10/20161011_121129.shtml

30. hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/programmes-article/3860

10. mobiefit.com/blog/world-health-day-indian-youth-middle-aged-lack-exercise-walking-is-preferredworkout/

31. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/south-korea-report-card-short-form-2016.pdf

11. thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/proper-food-exercise-can-save-youth-from-hypertension/ article8617412.ece

33. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5195826/

12. indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/tobacco-unhealthy-diet-no-exercise-top-risk-factors-forindian-youth-2928754/

35. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4234959/

29. moh.gov.sg/healthylivingmasterplan

32. journals.humankinetics.com/doi/pdf/10.1123/jpah.2016-0402 34. koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20151109001177

13. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/india-report-card-short-form-2016.pdf

36. koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2016/06/164_204512.html

14. 2013 statistics. japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2013/12/21/editorials/students-neglect-physical-exercise/

37. 2008-2009 statistics. bbc.com/news/health-23778945

15. journals.humankinetics.com/doi/pdf/10.1123/jpah.2016-0296

38. files.site-fusion.co.uk/webfusion119994/file/england_rc_16.pdf

16. theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/27/obesity-fukushima-children-survey

39. theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/25/three-quarters-of-uk-children-spend-less-timeoutdoors-than-prison-inmates-survey

17. telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/12061171/Japanese-children-increasingly-hobbled-byfloating-toe-due-to-lack-of-exercise.html

40. theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/03/child-obesity-rising-again-nhs-report-reveals

18. blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-asamericans/

41. ibid

19. thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60460-8/abstract

43. reuters.com/article/us-health-adolescents-school-fitness-idUSKBN0TR21N20151208

20. activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/china-poster-2016.pdf

44. physicalactivityplan.org/reportcard/2016FINAL_PAReportCard_Summary.pdf

21. Rural Shandong province only. sciencemag.org/news/2016/04/obesity-rates-skyrocket-china-srural-kids

45. cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm

42. 2013 statistics. cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm

46. stateofobesity.org/childhood-obesity-trends/ 47. 47　 physicalactivityplan.org/index.html#

25

Perspectives March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Rekindling M

ost people today agree that exercise is good for you but only a few have experienced the link between physical and mental health as strongly as the writer of this story, Ada Chau.

Always an optimistic person, I firmly believe that no matter how big the problem there is always a way to deal with it.

This helped me a great deal in 2010 when my partner was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma. The doctor advised amputation and chemotherapy. Whatever the doctor named, we did it, believing a cure was possible. What I would never have believed was that physical and mental health could be so closely related, and that for me both of them depend on exercise.

After four months of hospital with frequent checkups, life gradually went back to normal. We got married in 2012 and my husband adjusted quite well to being disabled. Four years of close monitoring later, it seemed as if the cancer had been cured. We decided to have a baby and I started to get fit. Since childhood I have loved taking exercise and at last I could work out again.

Everything looked good. Then the bad news came and the real nightmare began.

The sarcoma spread to my husband’s lungs: one huge tumour and several smaller ones. Suddenly, all plans went on hold. We needed all our energy to deal with the sarcoma again. First, I thought I could handle it just as I 26

a passi

had four years ago, with positive thinking, with family, friends and professionals. But it was not that simple.

As with other cancer patients, we did many tests, made plans with the doctor, researched online. Life was so busy, we had so many challenges and decisions to deal with. It was all-consuming. My husband rejected pointblank the chemotherapy and surgery recommended by some specialists and we decided to try nonconventional treatment: traditional Chinese medicine.

The pressure was huge. It was our choice, our decision, yet we needed to explain to anxious family and friends. We were not giving up, just trying another way. And there was no spare time to look inwards and see what effect all this was having on me.

Instead, we had to be patient and allow time for the Chinese medicine to work. It meant total focus and not a moment’s doubt. In the end, I think I became tunnel-visioned, I lost my grip on the rest of life and started to let things slide. The only thing that mattered was the treatment.

Maybe nobody really noticed at the time. I tried to be “normal”, working hard and occasionally going out with

ion for life friends. People cared about us and in turn it was easy to open up, to share my feelings and worries. I cried when emotion and frustration overtook me and laughed when life looked brighter. The façade was intact, but in retrospect I can see that I was a bit messed up.

For two years, I gave up exercise all together. When I eventually weighed myself I had gained more than 35 pounds and broke out in a sweat with the slightest activity. All my expectations had evaporated: of myself and my prospects. We had a cocoon of happiness at home. That seemed enough.

Looking back, I realize how many emotions I was suppressing - anger, frustration, sadness, worry, even depression. I didn’t admit even to myself that they existed at the time, they were buried so deeply in my sub-conscious.

Gradually, I became so home-oriented that I seldom went out with friends. Instead, I wanted to be with my husband, watching favourite TV shows and Japanese animations ... and eating our favourite food. Far, far too much of it.

Now I see that I was hiding, living under a kind of shadow: a shadow created by all I could not

face up to, but I could not deny my drastic weight gain. That was when I turned a corner.

The very first conscious motivation came from wanting to lose weight and rid myself of the embarrassment of sweating whenever I moved. I began with my favourite exercise – swimming. At first it made no difference to my weight. That was really frustrating. But I realized I had to keep going. At last my body responded and, as expected, I lost the first 15 pounds. Then I started running, interval training and badminton as well as swimming.

What I didn’t expect was the change this brought to the way I felt about life and the world around me.

It was almost like magic. Exercise has actually rekindled in me a passion for life itself. I not only had more energy and slept better, I also discovered a kind of mental strength I never knew existed. I am not saying willpower can solve every problem or that everything will be fine from now on. The cancer is still with us and there will be many more challenges to come. But through taking charge of my body I have taken charge of my life. Exercise helped me step out of the shadow of the past two years, face up and move on.

27

Perspectives March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Inspiring A

gnes Chan Yui-chong is an inspiration for anyone who has difficulty getting up and getting moving. She has spina bifida but become a Paralympic fencer with Hong Kong’s national squad.

What was it like for you at school?

I was able to walk when I was younger, unlike the other students at the Hong Kong Red Cross Princess Alexandra School. But I didn’t feel any urge to do exercise then. I saw exercise as a kind of rehabilitation, a form of “treatment” for people who need to “improve” their health!

What first motivated you?

I enjoyed PE at school but never took any other exercise. The Hong Kong fencing team visited when I was in Secondary 2 but I think I was too busy studying and didn’t try to find out more.

What made that change?

In 2002 when I left school and went to IVE* I had more free time. I began to do archery, swim and play badminton. Then one of the coaches at HKSAPD* found me and I finally had the chance to learn fencing. I loved it right from the start.

Who helped you to develop your talent?

Fencing team members at the Hong Kong Sports Institute are always supportive. They generously share their techniques, teaching me wholeheartedly and never seeming concerned about the chance of being beaten. My parents were always very supportive too.

They would wait till I got home at 11pm after training, to cook dinner and make sure it was full of nutrients.

What made you concentrate on fencing?

I liked it because it was very technical. You have to be quite smart to play well, and I really like the special clothes!

28

What were the main hurdles?

I hit a plateau after about two years with all the intensive training and regular competitions. I kept getting injured and once, just before the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, I had to stop training for a month. There was so much pain I couldn’t even move my wheelchair. I was so nervous but luckily I got better and eventually made it to the Paralympics.

How do other fencers encourage and motivate you?

As teammates, we spend more time with each other than we do with our families. We have a very close relationship, encouraging and supporting each other and sharing each other’s lives.

What do you do when your performance doesn’t meet your expectations?

The most important thing is to keep training no matter how disappointed you feel. By keeping up the training, one day you will make a breakthrough.

What advice would you give to young people who lack confidence to do sports?

Young people should do only the kind of sport that they are interested in and never be pressured by people, including parents. Taking exercise is really good for young people and once they get interested they will always find time.

*Notes IVE Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education HKSAPD Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled

Hong Kong excellence at the Paralympics Hong Kong made its debut at the Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg in 1972. Since then it has won a total of 92 medals: 32 gold, 27 silver, 33 bronze. The country’s first gold medal for wheelchair fencing was won by Fung Yuet-wah in 1984. In 1996, four gold medals were won by men for wheelchair fencing and the sport has provided gold medals for Hong Kong in every subsequent Summer Paralympics. With five golds, Agnes Chan Yui-chong is among Hong Kong’s most successful competitors.

More information paralympic.org/results/historical?npc= HKG&gender=all&medal=all&sport=all&games=all

Agnes Chan Yui-chong 34, works at the HKFYG Jockey Club Outdoor Training Centre in Sai Kung [see page 44]. She is one of Hong Kong’s most successful Paralympic competitors, with five golds medals. Yu Chui-yee and Fung Ying-yi have also won five golds, also for wheelchair fencing.

Achievements 2004 Paralympics • Wheelchair Fencing Foil B Gold • Wheelchair Fencing Epée B Silver • Wheelchair Fencing – Women’s Team Foil Gold • Wheelchair Fencing – Women’s Team Epée Gold 2008 Paralympics • Wheelchair Fencing Foil B Gold • Wheelchair Fencing Epée B Gold 2012 Paralympics • Wheelchair Fencing Epée Bronze • Wheelchair Fencing – Women’s Team Epée Bronze 2016 Paralympics • Wheelchair Fencing Epée Bronze • Wheelchair Fencing – Women’s Team Epée Bronze

29

Perspectives March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Eight tips for fitness, exercise and health

Counting* Tracking Drinking Starting

Ask a friend along. The right person can be an inspiration. He or she will help build enthusiasm and motivation while reducing any selfconsciousness. Arrange a time and stick to it.

If you’re thirsty you’re already dehydrated. Plain water is usually fine. Add electrolytes or sports drinks if it’s very hot, if you sweat a lot or if you take prolonged exercise.

Stay rehydrated, stay energized.

Use a smart device to track your stats. It adds interest, structure and information. If you don’t have or don’t want to use a gadget, try singing to check energy output.

If you can still sing, you’re exercising at low to moderate intensity!

Sources (P28) heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Target-Heart-Rates_UCM_434341_Article.jsp#.WL9nbm-GOpo mensfitness.com/training/pro-tips/top-25-fitness-tips-and-strategies-experts-0 health.com/health/gallery/0,,20513624,00.html/view-all fitnessmagazine.com/workout/tips/best-workout-tips/ teachpe.com/fitness/fitness_tests.php exerciseismedicine.org/assets/page_documents/EIM%20Fact%20Sheet%20February%202016.pdf

Remember the statistics.

Exercise lowers the risk of type II diabetes by 58% and reduces heart disease/ high blood pressure by 40%. It can decrease depression as effectively as behavioral therapy and lead to better exam results.

Check your pulse.

HR = heart rate; bpm = beats per minute Age

Target HR in bpm

Average maximum HR

20 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70

100-17 95-162 93-157 90-153 88-149 85-145 83-140 80-136 78-132 75-128

200 190 185 180 175 170 165 160 155 150

*Figures for heart rate are average guidelines only.

30

Thinking Resting Boring?

Starving

Eating three daily meals?

Some say eating five times a day can stimulate metabolism if you include two mini meals between your three basic meals. Try working out in the morning too. It can cause a metabolic spike that burns extra calories all day long.

Activity Aerobics (vigorous) Bicycling (moderate pace) Golf (carrying/pulling clubs) Kick Boxing Rowing (8 min mile) Running (10 min per mile) Swimming (slow freestyle) Tennis (doubles) Walking (slow pace) Walking (fast pace) Weight training (circuits) Yoga

Sick of the treadmill?

Tired of your morning run? Time for change.

Vary your routine or your circuits. Try a new time of day. Download a customized local app like HKFitNuts or My Wellness Tracker HK. Try something different: maybe wall climbing, HIIT, Zumba or CrossFit. Put on music that makes you get up and dance!

Tired all the time?

Common enough in Hong Kong. Too much pressure, too much rush. Listen to your body. Exhaustion from inadequate sleep has an obvious remedy. If you’re tired after a tough workout muscles, try a cold or a hot bath. Go for a massage if that’s more your style. If it doesn’t get better see your healthcare provider.

Calories burned in 60 minutes 45kg

54.5kg

63.5kg

72.5kg

81.5kg

90.5kg

338 360 248 490 322 450 360 270 122 236 360 176

406 432 298 566 380 540 426 384 148 280 438 210

474 504 346 684 446 630 494 378 178 322 504 242

516 576 396 780 510 720 566 436 202 372 576 278

580 648 446 880 578 810 438 486 228 420 648 316

654 720 496 980 656 900 708 540 254 470 720 348

Exercise makes you feel better and gives your brain a bonus. Over 10,000 people who used a mood-tracking app that also tracked physical activity said that even going for a short walk increased sense of wellbeing. Many studies show other bonuses for the brain because good cardiovascular health and healthy brain function are connected.

Exercising in the youngadult years may also bring better thinking skills later in life according to new research. Exercise changes the brain in ways that protect memory and thinking skills.

Sources (P29) sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/even-smallamounts-exercise-boost-happiness-findsstudy-132432752.html livescience.com/44558-exercise-young-adultbrain-thinking.html health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercisechanges-brain-improve-memory-thinkingskills-201404097110

31

Perspectives

+ 30

March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

T Sean

Singapore, Germany, London and Wales were where I went to school and at that stage I wasn’t in the slightest bit interested in sport, largely because I was no good at it. But when I came to Hong Kong to work, everything changed.

Walking in the hills was good as long as someone else was organizing it, but I felt no conscious need to exercise in my 20s. In fact, I was amazed when people started jogging back in the 1970s, especially the girls, all sweaty and hot in the muggy Hong Kong weather. People used to point at them and laugh.

When the first gyms arrived in Hong Kong in the early 1980s a few friends and I went along for a free trial.

We nearly ran away with fright at the sight of all the equipment, but fortunately the receptionist and manager persuaded us in, showed us round and organized an easy aerobics class for us to try. Then they explained how to use the weights and then the machines. We were hooked.

32

Thirty years later, I’m still hooked. I train in the gym with a partner three times a week, go to yoga once a week, Pilates twice a week, and hiking in the country parks at least once a week. Developing core strength and muscle tone has meant I have more energy. Aikido and swimming, running in 10k races, doing pedal-kart marathons and joining the dragon boat races have all been part of fitness for me. In competitions I always come in near the back but losing never matters to me. It’s the training and the companionship that make it fun, as long as I can fit it in around work and family.

Now I’m older, I value exercise even more: my weight training is nearly as good as it was 25 years ago. It helps keep me strong and slows down the inevitable loss of muscle that comes with age, and the fast walking keeps me aerobically fit. Even more important was beginning to understand the connection between my posture and the back, neck and shoulder stiffness that sometimes nags me. It’s never too late to get fit and whatever your reasons, it should be quite simply, fun.

by peterskim flic.kr/p/2FdTW

wo fans of fitness, Sean and Meredith, talk about what got them started in their 30s and what still makes them devotees 30 years later.

Some reasons overlap but they have a very different approach to exercise.

Meredith

long-distance footpath was a challenge. To train for it I upped my daily walks from 5km to 20km, then 30km, but the worst effect for those unused to it is not fatigue or muscle soreness but blisters. Like other forms of exercise, walking is often a solitary experience for me. It’s rare to meet someone who walks at my pace but when weary it usually helps to have a buddy to chat to.

Apart from a brief spell at 17 as the school lacrosse captain I was very unfit until I was 31. My attitude changed while watching the Wimbledon tennis. I saw those lean, slim players and wanted to look like them.

It was so hard carrying on after the first mile I ever ran, feeling sick, weak and breathless. It was embarrassing.

Making time was hard too. I was a full-time working parent with two small children but as I became fitter I gained a sense of empowerment and felt rather superior, but importantly it also kept the weight off.

Motivation also came from raising money for charity by running non-competitive marathon distances.

Beginning with the Santiago de Compostela

Top tips

by calafellvalo flic.kr/p/dp8sfV

Later I worked as a gym instructor and that was a real bonus. It made me aware of my body, how it works, what it needs, and how to improve my musculature. It became part of my life and although a knee injury has stopped me running, I’ve taken up endurance walking instead.

Exercise for me is an all-year-round commitment although I confess I’m inherently lazy. I’m a bit vain too, but the underlying reason is not wanting to be a burden on either the public health system or my children. Basically I know exercise always makes me feel better and it has become so habitual I know I would miss it if I stopped.

•

Make time: it’s always possible if you want it to be.

•

Find someone to train with, preferably about the same standard and preferably younger: it’s good for your morale but your younger friend will probably improve faster than you!

•

Make it a routine whatever the weather.

•

Enter a competition or a race. It can be motivating as long as the pressure is not a problem and it gives you a deadline you can’t ignore.

•

Think of the benefits – and the potential problems if you stop.

•

Always have an ultimate aim.

33

City space March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Rowing for the community A

former member of the Hong Kong rowing squad, and one of the Kai Tak Youth Rowing Community pioneers describes teaching young rowers at KTYRC and her experience with disabled people at the HopeAct Academy, a social enterprise.

by Lu Chan Tsz-wai

Rowing has always given me strong motivation ever since I started training in Secondary 2. Quite unexpectedly, it not only motivated me to improve my technique and strength but also to do better at school.

I made a dramatic improvement in maths, which had been my weakest subject. I attribute that to the selfmanagement skills I learnt while rowing, when I also learned how to set and meet achievable goals.

Teamwork is essential in rowing so I had to learn to be humble and look for my own faults instead of blaming others. Rowing coaches can’t be in the boat with you, so you are often the sole judge of your performance when you are training. Getting faster involves telling yourself to work harder at every single stroke. Rowing taught me generic skills too, especially problem-solving, decisionmaking, leadership, cooperation and respect − essential elements of a well-ronded person. Rowing is a tough, 34

physically demanding sport and I always tell them the students to be proud of what they can achieve.

Every rower needs to follow their team-mates’ rhythm to get perfect timing and maintain good boat speed, and I used this principle when I taught autistic children. It requires them to process diverse information from their environment.

Simple, continuous endurance training sessions can also help them to manage their emotions and communicate better.

The young rowers who come to the Kai Tak Youth Rowing Community (KTYRC) are mainly from underprivileged, low-income families living in Kwun Tong district. We use the Kwun Tong ferry pier but it’s not ideal, especially for large groups. We can only pick up small groups of students at the pier and take them out to the rowing boats for training, but a big bonus is having many good local people who give us volunteer help. We are really touched by their efforts and by having the chance to work as a community.

We visit schools in the lower bands in Kwun Tong and our goal is to help the students to build confidence, not only in rowing but also in their academic work. The schools usually make special arrangements and give us time for demonstrations and try-out sessions. All 1218 year-olds who are receiving financial assistance from the government are welcome to join us.

Some of our students have really excelled. Alvin Chan in Secondary 3 and Oscar Lee in Primary 5, for example. They have learned to row from zero with us, training so hard for six months and finally winning medals at the interschool rowing championship.

They have showed an incredible ability to learn quickly and a remarkable dedication to rowing.

My big hope is that the new Kai Tak sports complex will raise the profile of rowing and many more people will get involved.

It’s a perfect place to have access to the water. Sports should Lu Chan is a co-founder and director of the Kai Tak Youth Rowing Community (KTYRC) is a charity based in Kwun Tong aiming to improve the social mobility of Kowloon’s underprivileged youth through sport and education. It was founded by Sarah Garner with Lu, Bodo Schulenburg and Kenny Liu. More details

3580 8491

ktyrc.org info@ktyrc.org

Room 10A, Seapower Industrial Centre, 177 Hoi Bun Rd, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

pp Oscar Lee

pp Alvin Chan

be fair to everyone. Teenagers from different backgrounds all deserve opportunities to participate. Hong Kong has so many complicated social problems, but for underprivileged young people, sport can mean learning communication skills and teamwork while gaining strength as athletes. That gives young people the potential to face any challenge.

Lu Chan is director of the HopeAct Academy, a social enterprise which targets students with special education needs and helps them participate in sports as well as aiding their all-round development. Supported by the HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre with free office space, mentoring and professional business advice, the HopeAct Academy also has support from organizations such as the Spastics Association of Hong Kong, the Neighbourhood AdviceAction Council. Hong Kong Baptist University offers training venues and organizes races for its students.

More details

Lu Chan Tsz-wai 65726639

hopeact.com.hk/

info@hopeact.com.hk

Units B-E, 11/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

35

City space March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Letting go of perfect Making room for strong

by Kate Lee

I

n the movie, “Frozen,” Anna and her sister seek their place in the world. The film is about the power that makes people different.

Few children or parents in the developed world will have missed the 2013 hit movie “Frozen.” Most of them will also know its theme song, “Let it Go”, an anthem for little girls everywhere, with lyrics about “… time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through.”

This is wonderful for a whole generation of little girls, but what about the rest of us, the ones bought up on tales where being beautiful is the only thing a princess must be, where princesses wait passively in castles for heroes to rescue them?

36

Women’s roles in the world have changed dramatically.

We are now in a position to do so much, but the judgments that we and our society make have not changed. We are supposed to be thin, perfectly turned out, perfect homemakers, cooks, mothers and wives, and now we have to be successful CEOs too. The pressure is enough to blow even Anna off the mountain!

So often it is our own gender, our “sisters” who judge us. We have all done it. We read magazine articles about

celebrities who have lost weight and gained weight and we judge. We walk into a room and think, “Do I look good enough?” while other women look at us and measure us. Men don’t do quite the same thing. Their “ideal” is usually bigger, taller and more. Women tend to want to be smaller, more petite, and less – less noisy, less opinionated, less fat.

It has made me decide that this is the year to reclaim my body − from years of disappointment, from blame for imperfections, from ransom by impossible ideals. I have started a new fitness regime because I’m overweight. I know it and anyone in Victoria Park at night will know it, as they watch me lumbering past, bright red in the face, puffing like a steam train.

I hate running yet have just downloaded the “Couch to 5K”app onto my phone.

For years I have been on and off different diets, my weight has yo-yoed to extremes. I can tell you the calorie, fat and carb count of pretty much every foodstuff on the planet. I have tried exercise and programmes and hypnosis. But the biggest barrier to me becoming the woman I want to be is myself. Like many women I have treated my body as something separate from me, something to be punished rather than cherished because society says that a woman who looks like me is not “right”.

No more. I am claiming my body back.

What does this have to do with Anna in her blue dress in an ice palace? Simply this. As women we need to learn that our bodies are there for no one but us. Their purpose is to make

us feel good, to do what we want and need them to do. Being strong is sexy, trying to achieve an impossible cartoonish ideal is not.

We need to learn that what makes us different − whether it is a flat nose, freckles, a big chest or large thighs − is what makes us the individual people we are, not things to carve away with knives and sit ups and whitening creams. Our bodies should be an expression of what we do and want to do, not of what holds us back. We need to accept ourselves and our flaws and accept others with theirs, striving for strength and health, not for so-called perfection.

Whether you dance in your living room, join a yoga class, take up the slow, steady movements of tai chi chuan or the stress-busting of boxing, there will be something that makes you feel good about yourself and feel strong. Our bodies are not for sitting passive on pedestals nor for sitting slumped on couches with the latest Netflix binge, but for enjoying, doing and being.

So next time you see an overweight woman sort of running past you in the park singing “Let it Go”, leave the judgments at the door, sing along too and find something that makes you stronger, happier and a little less “perfect”. Like Anna, see what you can do.

Kate is a writer who says she has spent too much time working and binge-watching TV. Now she is part of the way through the “Couch to 5K” programme, has joined a belly-dancing class and frequently dances around her living room to cheesy pop tunes.

Be real

Be Real is a British campaign launched in response to a report on body image. The report reveals that: • 52% of 11-16 year olds worry about how they look • 30% of 11-16 year olds isolate themselves from certain activities because of body image anxiety • 36% of 11-16 year olds say they would do ‘‘whatever it takes’’ to look good, including cosmetic surgery • Only 48% of young people surveyed had learned about body confidence in school • Of those who had learned about body confidence in school, 76% said it made them feel more positive about themselves.

The campaign’s mission is to change attitudes to body image and put health above appearance.

A toolkit for schools is available at berealcampaign.co.uk/ 37

Travel and culture March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Elephants …

… going, going, gone?

E

lephants are being decimated despite conservation efforts – what is the problem and what can we do about it?

Elephant populations across Africa have declined by 30% in just seven years according to the 2016 Great Elephant Census. In Asia, only 50,000 remain. If the trend continues they will be extinct before 2040.

It has been estimated that in 1800 there were 26 million elephants in continental Africa. In 1979 there were 1.3 million left. Today the figure is 352,271.1 The 1989 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned the ivory trade, but illegal poaching still goes on and trading in ivory continues, particularly in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

Since 2000, more than 217,500kg of ivory has been seized, representing 16,000 elephants killed. 41,000kg of ivory was seized in China alone from 2012 to 2014.2 At the end of 2016 China announced plans to eradicate the trading of ivory by the end of 2017.3 Five years later, Hong Kong will follow suit and the city’s officially sanctioned ivory traders have till then to sell off existing stock: an estimated 77 tonnes.

However, wildlife campaigners fear a surge in illegal business as soon as the mainland ban takes effect.4 Elephants are important to the environment because they are what is called a “keystone” species. Their absence would change the ecosystem dramatically because they spread seeds across land in their dung. They also dig up the ground with their tusks which allows other species and plant life to access nutrients in the soil.

In addition to the ecological reasons for concern, there is an ethical issue. Elephants are social creatures.

38

by Katherine Gudgin They live in family units. They recognize and remember not only the members of their family and herd but the humans who have helped them. For example, they have behaviour associated with mourning, not only with other elephants but with people. When Antony Lawrence, a conservationist, died the elephants that knew him “mourned” his death.

Habitat destruction and human encroachment are also complex issues. The “home range” of an African elephant can be up to 11,000 square kilometres and the male Asian elephant needs 800 square kilometres.5 The distance and space needed depends on the environment, the size of the herd, other animals on the land and how much food is available. Elephants in Malaysia have lost 70% of their natural habitat in the past 35 years.6 Humans are increasingly clearing and using land that has traditionally been wilderness inhabited by elephants.

Animals don’t recognize the fences placed around crops and houses, and tension has led to elephant attacks and elephants being killed.

Abraham Lincoln said “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” Unless we act now, elephants will soon be like the dinosaurs or the West African black rhino which was declared extinct in 2006. By taking responsibility, we can evade that tomorrow today.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Elephants 1. They can hear another elephant’s call up to 5 kilometres away.

2. By stamping their feet they send subsonic waves through the ground that can be picked up by other elephants via sensitive nerves in their feet.

3. Elephants are afraid of bees!

4. They need more than 270 kilos of food each day and even more water.

5. They can smell water nearly 20 kilometres away and rain from 240 kilometres away.

Hongxiang Huang, a 28 year-old investigative journalist from Guangdong, went undercover to gather evidence of illegal importing and selling of ivory in Africa, China and Hong Kong.

He reports: “China has the biggest ivory market in the world and as a Chinese person I feel I should do something. If China is part of the problem, it should be part of the solution. So I set up a social enterprise called China House which organizes trips to Africa for young people. They learn about wildlife conservation, then come home as ambassadors. Some people think we are helping the West to attack China. Others think we are helping the Chinese government to promote propaganda. What we really want to do is create a bridge between China and the rest of the world, thus reducing misunderstandings on both sides. My goal is to help cut demand and to cultivate future conservation efforts to combat poaching.

6. Gestation in elephants lasts for two years.

7. Elephants can tell a human male from a human female and distinguish different ethnicities.

8. Elephants get sunburnt and use mud and dust instead of suntan lotion!

9. Elephants can swim but they can’t jump.

10. Baby elephants suck their trunks for comfort just as human children suck their thumbs. pp Hongxiang Huang with primatologist Jane Goodall The Ivory Game is a recent Netflix documentary with Hongxiang Huang starring beside Andrea Costa of WildLeaks, a whistle-blowing site for wildlife crime.

Executive Producer Leonardo DiCaprio

What you need to know about ivory and poaching

pp Elephants cared for by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust courtesy of The Elephant Society

• One elephant is killed every 15 minutes.

• Ivory is made from elephant tusks which are elongated incisor teeth.

• Baby elephants don’t develop tusks until they are 6-12 months old.

• Elephant tusks never stop growing.

• Asian elephants have been less subject to poaching than African as only the males have tusks.

• Ivory has been used for centuries to create billiard balls, piano keys, art works and ornaments etc.

• Elephants don’t shed their tusks naturally.

Sources and more information 1. greatelephantcensus.com/ 2. eleaid.com/elephant-conservation/elephant-poaching/ 3. scmp.com/news/china/article/2058349/china-vows-shut-down-ivory-trade-end-2017 4. scmp.com/news/china/article/2058436/hong-kongs-illegal-ivory-hub-status-could-grow-after-planned-mainland 5. globalelephants.org/space-much-enough/ 6. asiancorrespondent.com/2017/02/malaysia-elephants-have-lost-70-pc-of-territory-human-encroachment-study/

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Travel and culture March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Cherishing the old

by Ada Chau

Last Christmas, I visited a small town in Catalonian France. I expected a nice and relaxing Christmas with my dear friends enjoying the spectacular natural scenery. But what I got was far more than that. Not only did I meet the friendliest people, I also learnt how to appreciate preserving the old in daily life.

Many tourists like to visit historical sites when they go abroad, just like me. I love the idea of indulging myself with the history of an area and imagining the lives of the people who used to live there. But history like that is always quite separate from daily life. We have to go to a particular area or museum to “see� the sights. What I never thought of before was how people can preserve the old while bringing new ideas into their normal daily lives.

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As a typical city cosmopolitan grown-up, I have always liked new ideas and new things.

City life is so vibrant and ever-changing in Hong Kong.

I seldom stop and take a look at what I should preserve, especially within my family. When I was younger, I always had the idea that if something was broken, it would be far more convenient to buy a new one rather than fixing the old one because we can always buy the latest and most fashionable model at a cheap price. So, all my life I have been used to throwing old things away, without a second thought. But when I went to visit my friends, my mind changed totally.

When I arrived in the small town, I was already touched by the natural environment, the quietness and peace. Then, when I stepped into my friends’ house, I just could not believe that most of the items I saw there were much older than me. Some of them were even inherited from generations before!

The table where we ate every meal in the dining room was from my friend’s father. He remembered how they ate together at this very table when he was a boy, sitting on the chairs made by his grandfather in England 80 years ago! I was stunned by all the family history in the tableware we used, the vases we put flowers in, the furniture, even a woven cotton bedspread that was at least 60 years old but looked like it was made yesterday!

The next day, I went to visit an old couple who were neighbours.

Although I don’t speak French and they didn’t speak English, we could communicate quite well with my gestures, my friend’s translations and their grandson’s help. Once again, I was amazed by their home. Nearly everything there had history and the most important thing was that it was all still being used in daily life. Regardless of “value” in money

terms, all of it is treasured because it is both old and still useful, not kept in museums or put away in a store room.

While I sat in their living room, I couldn’t stop my mind flying back to my mom’s home and looking for anything like this in my mind’s eye. I vaguely remember using some old, Chinese-style bowls when my grandma was still living with us, but where are those old bowls now? I guess we just broke them or threw them away long ago. Suddenly, I felt so sorry about losing them, thinking how I could talk about their history if someone came to visit me. What would I say…?

Back in Hong Kong, I started to search for vintage things.

Many old parts of Hong Kong have disappeared, though some people do promote preserving heritage sites. But I want to preserve things not only to look at and admire, like a beautiful building, but to look at and use.

What I really appreciated was the care with which those people in Catalonia cherished their belongings and perhaps I will do the same in future. I think I really will have second thoughts now whenever I go to buy new things. First, I will look at what I have at home, and then keep some of it, the old alongside the new.

Maybe one day, 60 years from now, if I look after what I have well enough, that ordinary stuff will be old too.

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HKFYG March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Adventure awaits you T

he camps run by the Federation on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories offer fantastic opportunities for taking exercise and getting fit outdoors.

HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp

A new 3-lane sport climbing wall will be added soon to the existing range of adventure fitness activities on offer at this fabulous camp.

Highlights

n Abseiling

n Orienteering n Archery

n Kayaking

n Rafting

Emphasis on strength, endurance and agility

Challenge your technique and willpower

n Snorkeling

Details of fees on request.

Accommodation also available.

Age group 8 years +

Climbing Wall Features

n Beginner and intermediate levels n Helmets, harnesses and carabiners provided n Instructor supervision

DD256, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung

2792 2727

otc@hkfyg.org.hk

[in Chinese] otc.hkfyg.org.hk

HKFYG Stanley Outdoor Activities Centre This camp at St Stephen’s Beach, not far from Stanley Village, is currently being redeveloped as a residential camp. A full programme of innovative watersports and adventurous activities will be coming up in 2019.

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HKFYG Lamma Youth Camp Adventure activities are on offer all year round at this camp in a lovely setting on one of Lamma’s easily accessible hilltops.

Highlight

Mo Gong, an ancient war game with roots in a Chinese philosophy called Mohism, is the focus of this special programme. Participants strengthen communication skills while tackling a progressive series of “warrior style” challenges.

Age group 8 years + Emphasis on physical fitness, self-confidence, problem solving and team spirit.

Mo Gong Features n n n n n

Basic martial arts Archery Low-level and high-level adventure-based tasks Army-style outdoor camp cooking Cave exploration

HKFYG Tai Mei Tuk Outdoor Activities Centre This watersports-focused training centre offers a range of activities including sailing and kayaking plus various new attractions.

Highlights

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) combines surfing and kayaking, one of the fastest growing watersports ever seen. Adventurous aquatics and inflatable games offer a fun, different way to test physical fitness afloat.

Features

n SUP: key training for balance, core strength and flexibility n Aquatic inflatable games: challenging for team work n Obstacle courses: cool and exciting Age group 8 years + Emphasis on communication, team work, creativity, critical thinking and perseverance.

Challenge your balance and sea skills!

Programmes

n SUP Fun Day for 8-16 persons

Challenge your critical thinking and perseverance!

Programme

Fee HK$160 per person

Includes Day camp and programme fees plus instructor and equipment

n Aquatic Adventures for 8-50 persons (minimum booking 18 persons)

Fee HK$130 per person

Fee HK$320 per person

Includes Day camp and programme fees plus instructor and equipment

Includes Overnight accommodation, instructors and equipment

Mike Fung

Mo Gong 14-30 persons

Wong Tin Wa or Mandy Tsui

Main Dam, Plover Cove Reservoir, Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, New Territiories

Tai Tong, Lamma Island

2664 4686

2982 1929 / 2395 5676

tmt@hkfyg.org.hk

lyc@hkfyg.org.hk

Bus 75K, minibus 20C from Tai Po station

[in Chinese] tmt.hkfyg.org.hk

[in Chinese] lyc.hkfyg.org.hk

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HKFYG March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Teaming up

makes exercise fun W

ith so many team sports and a huge range of player abilities, team sports are a great way to meet like-minded people and expand your social circle.

The First Hong Kong Youth Community Sports Festival this spring had something for everyone: children, teens, adults and the disabled. Part of the HKFYG Jockey Club Community Team Sports programme, the festival’s goals were to stimulate interest in physical activity and encourage exercise as a regular habit. 3,000+ 8-25 yearolds took part in events including rope skipping, basketball, ice hockey, group running and canoeing. There were also dodgeball,* floor curling, soccer, taekwondo patterns, and table tennis.

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Supporting Organizations HK Academy of Ice Hockey HK Canoe Union HK Dodgeball Association HK Floor Curling Association HK Football Association HK Kong Rope Skipping Association, China New Power Sports Co RunOurCity Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of HK, China Sportsoho Media Ltd 18 HK district councils More details cts.hkfyg.org.hk Enquiries Harry Lo 3468 8059

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Sportovation Community Service Scheme: Sports x Innovation This all year round initiative is part of the HKFYG Jockey Club Community Team Sports programme. It encourages youth volunteers to form teams and create changemaking service projects. From April to August 2017, the scheme will launch Sports x Innovation to offer lectures and social lab workshops for these 15-25 yearold volunteers, then sponsorship of HK$3,000-10,000 will be given to 20 of their projects. The sponsored projects will be selected for their original ideas and their achievements will be featured in an exhibition in August.

More details cts.org.hk

Enquiries Terrence Zee, Sports Manager 3468 8059

What is dodgeball?* Dodgeball is an in thing in Hong Kong right now.

Played by two teams who try to throw balls at each other while avoiding being hit themselves, the trials at the festival were a big hit indeed! In the US, it is typically played by primary school children but elsewhere it is popular among older students.

45

HKFYG March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

Run For Wellness Sunday 9 April 2017 Wellness is the essence of a healthy, happy life but many young people in Hong Kong suffer from an overload of work, stress and frustration.

As a token gesture of sharing their load, come and run with a backpack and book, showing your commitment to the wellbeing of youth.

Start

8am Hong Kong Science Park, Charles K. Kao Auditorium (Golden Egg)

Races

8 KM and 3 KM for individuals, organizations, schools and families

Target participation

3,000 runners

Sample donations

HK$200 (Early Bird rate) to HK$3,800 (organization team rate)

Full details

sportsoho.com/pg/match/read/5744164/

Prizes and bonuses include:

Gift Pack

• Round-trip economy class tickets to Seoul with Hong Kong Airlines • Courses at Marathon Training Centre • Free t-shirts • Carnival

• Souvenirs

• Post-run treats

Funding HSBC 150th Anniversary Charity Programme

Contact Enquiry Hotline 2117 1650 hkfygrunforwellness@sportsoho.com Brenda Yip 3755 7101 email brenda.yip@hkfyg.org.hk Mandy Tse 3755 7102 email mandy.tse@hkfyg.org.hk Sponsorship and donations in kind welcome. All funds raised will support youth wellness.

International Symposium on Physical Activity & Fitness of the Young Generation in Asia-Pacific 20 May Hosted by Department of Sports Science and Physical Education (SSPE) The Chinese University of Hong Kong Supported by HKFYG

2017

Keynote Speech Prof Grant Tomkinson (University of North Dakota) Physical fitness of children and adolescents: International temporal trends and cross-country comparisons Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions: Physical activity and fitness of adolescents in Southeast Asia: The Asia Fit Project Workshops Cross strait three regions PE teachers’ continuing Roles & strategies of physical fitness development in early childhood professional development programmes in China Gamifying fitness activities in school physical education Why EIM (Exercise is Medicine) for medical & healthcare professionals?

Registration Deadline 30 April 2017 Symposium Date: 20 May 2017 Contact ISPAFY 2017 Conference Secretariat E-mail: sspe@cuhk.edu.hk Tel: + (852) 3943 5346 46

Find Fat Choy at 60 Staunton Street, Central 12 noon-10pm daily except Monday

Fat Choy

Reservations 3104 9134 Lunch & evening private parties welcome.

More details facebook.com/hkfygfatchoy/ Takeaways available Delivery service coming soon

good luck, good food, good health

fresh from the menu “Ten years ago, people used to say healthy food was boring. They were absolutely right. Now that’s changed completely and Fat Choy proves it. Health conscious people like you will find good food, a warm welcome and a cool ambience.”

Consultant Felix Lee

SOME HOME-MADE FLATBREADS Fat Pig

Hummus, Rocket, Roasted Bell Pepper, Prosciutto, Parmesan

Fat Chick

• • • • •

taste-bud teasers for everyone unforgettable veggie varieties hot homemade soup for a winter day warm salad for spring evenings cool mango shakes for tea

For fitness fanatics and carnivores alike. for families and smart young execs … …and for you and your loved ones on a special day …

Fat Choy is full of flavor, farm to table…

Roasted Chicken, Avocado Rocket, Tomato, Pomegranate

Fat Cow

“Seasonal produce comes from the HKFYG Organic Farm and I like to use the Red Oak Salad Leaves and cherry tomatoes for a dash of colour. The farm’s fresh kale, carrot and beetroot make really tasty juice and their potatoes make a wonderful side for our set lunches.”

Chef Vince Chi

Grilled corn-fed beef steak, Pumpkin, Spinach Mozzarella, Onion, Balsamic

________________

SOME FAB SALADS Fat Detox

Cauliflower, Broccoli, Red Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber Onion, Mesclun, Egg

Fat Field

Kale, Mesclun, Beetroot Tomato, Cactus, Nuts

Fat Cobb

Bacon, Avocado, Tomato Cucumber, Egg, Black Olives

SET LUNCH STARTERS Chef Salad/ Hot Soup of the Day

________________ HOT MAINS

A. Salmon Fillet, Mixed Quinoa, Mesclun or B. Corn Beef Steak, Mashed Potato, Roasted Vine Tomato, Sautéed Vegetables or C. Pasta Carbonara with Sourdough or D. Beetroot Burger, Roasted Sweet Potato, Mesclun Salad

________________

Soft Drink or Iced Lemon Water

________________

SOME SIGNATURE DRINKS Organic Cactus

with Passion Fruit, Honey

Yellow Fighter

Pineapple, Yellow Pepper Apple, Ginger

Red Fighter

Beetroot, Apple, Pear, Lime Juice

Skimmed Milk Shakes with Banana, Yoghurt & Honey Strawberry, Blueberry, Avocado, Mango

Many more dishes available… and don’t forget the HKFYG Organic 21 grocery store, just ten steps away!

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HKFYG March 2017　|　Youth Hong Kong

Friday 7 April 2017 Raising funds for leadership programmes for young people of Chinese origin from around the world

Mr George Lam Chi-cheung (second from right) Hong Kong-based veteran Cantopop singer and actor with team

Gold Patrons

The Hon Jeffrey Lam, Mr Tenniel Chu, Dr Rosanna Wong, Mr Peter Wong and Mr Michael Wong

Ms Cindy Lee Si-nga, artist, takes a swing

Sponsors

THE

Official Media Partners

Dr Vincent Lo (left) presents souvenirs to Mr Luis Tong (right) to acknowledge Cup Patron's support from Gale Well Group Ltd

OR I G I N AL

AM E R I C AN

B R AN D

Foundation & Event Details

dragonfoundation.net/golf2017

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Tel: 2811 2779 Website: www.dragonfoundation.net

Singers

without Borders

2017 HKFYG JOCKEY CLUB INTERNATIONAL A CAPPELLA FESTIVAL

H

ong Kong has adopted a cappella singing in a big way. With clear voices, creativity, a good sense of rhythm and teamwork, the genre brings the world of vocal harmony alive.

The 2017 HKFYG Jockey Club Hong Kong International A Cappella Festival takes unaccompanied voices to new horizons in its 7th year with major sponsorship from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

With ensembles from Britain, Finland, the Philippines and Australia, this year’s festival brings together extraordinary talent to join the Federation’s own Hong Kong Melody Makers and a host of other gifted young singers.

2017 Hong Kong International A Cappella Visiting Performers

CLUB FOR FIVE

from Finland

bringing you an icy ethnic flavour with a cool beat Finland’s favourite quintet, Club for Five, challenge even conventional wisdom when it comes to the capacity of the human voice. They have been entertaining audiences for 17 years, touring widely and earning an international reputation as one of the world’s best and most versatile a cappella groups. Rooted in the Nordic tradition but strongly influenced by jazz and pop, the music of these five skilled vocalists also brings audiences a taste of Finnish songs that echo the haunting landscapes of the North.

Currently signed up with Warner Music, Club

2017 Hong Kong International A Cappella Festival Ambassador

Joey Wong (JW) Known locally as JW, Joey Wong has a mix of Chinese, Spanish and Filipino ancestry. She released her debut song in 2010. Her first public appearance sold out and her first album, Los Angeles, sold over 27,000 copies, making her the bestselling local female singer of the year and one of the top ten local singers overall.

She went on to phenomenal success and had consolidated her online popularity by 2016 when she also won a Yahoo! Asia Buzz Award, an RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Award and a TVB Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Award. She was Best Female Singer (Bronze) in The Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation and Hit Female Singer (Bronze) in the Metro Radio Hit Music Award.

for Five have released six gold-selling studio albums and their high level, expertly crafted studio work has brought them multiple Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) nominations.

Club for Five shift between musical styles, from gentle jazz harmonies to a fully fleshed out band sound. Their effortless electric guitar, their clear clarinet and brilliant balalaika are complemented by an edgy beat and a truly earth-shaking bass. Audiences can dare them to improvise and they are rarely allowed to leave the stage without singing the startling deep bass solo version of Brothers in Arms, the unforgettable hit by superstars, Dire Straits.

Featuring at the A CAPPELLA MASTER SERIES on 27 June 49

HKFYG March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

DRUMS OF WAR

from Australia

from the Philippines

pushing the boundaries of a regional beat

exceptional talent from a neighbouring country

With explosive rap, soulful licks and a completely unique sound, Drums of War produce hip-hop and R&B music with nothing but six voices. Blasting onto the scene in 2015, they debuted at the Vocal Australia AUSACA Championship and were crowned National A Cappella Champions after competing against over 30 other Australian groups.

The five young singers of Acapellago first got together in Bulacan in the Philippines. They perform contemporary Filipino a cappella music that inspires many other talented young singers. The name of the group comes from their efforts to spread the word about modern a cappella music from the Philippines archipelago around the world.

Awards for Best Vocal Percussionist, Best Contemporary Song and Best Soloist were not enough and, as Peter Huang of Singapore’s MICappella says, “Drums of War is the first vocal band that I’ve heard anywhere that forced my hand as a judge to award best lead vocals to their rapper. These guys are scarily good. Remember the name!”

After a resoundingly successful start as Grand Champions at the prestigious 2012 Akapela Open, they went on to win provincial awards and then to become the 2015 Grand Champion at the A Cappella Championships 2015 (International Category) at ITE College Central in Singapore. Currently reigning Grand Champions at the Akapela Open, they also came in first in the Best in Arrangement category.

In 2016 Drums of War began their international ventures by competing in the invitation-only Asia Pacific A Cappella Championship League in Singapore, battling with groups from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan and more, and placing 2nd overall while receiving awards for Best Stage Presence and Best Pop Arrangement.

Recognized for their outstandingly creative contributions to world-acclaimed Filipino music by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Acapellago represented the Philippines at Vocal Asia in Taiwan where they were 1st runner-up in 2016 before being crowned Grand Champions last September in Singapore.

Supporting and collaborating with acts such as Suade, Ginger and Tonic, and Beautiful Beasts, Drums of War are now expanding onto the world stage and pushing the boundaries of vocal music.

Appearing till 2 April at the A Cappella Camp, Extravaganza, Mobile in the Community A Cappella Gala and Marathon

Appearing till 2 April at the A Cappella Camp, the Extravaganza, at Mobile in the Community, the A Cappella Gala and the International A Cappella Marathon

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ACAPELLAGO

The Techtonics

from the UK

stretching the edges of British sound The Techtonics (TT), from Imperial College London, are the current World Champions of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA).

With two studio albums, three Contemporary A Cappella Recording (CARA) Award nominations and a CARA award for Best Male Collegiate Song for their version of Labyrinth’s Earthquake, the TTs continue to stretch the edges of contemporary a cappella. The group has recently toured both coasts of America and are currently making plans to head back to the States this summer.

Whether performing on Broadway or busking on Portobello Road, their characteristic energy has anyone who hears them walking away with a smile.

by Joe martinez

After performing at the London A Cappella Festival, and running a 5-star sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show, these STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students have established themselves firmly at the top of the UK a cappella scene.

Appearing till 2 April at the A Cappella Camp, the Extravaganza, at Mobile in the Community, the A Cappella Gala and the International A Cappella Marathon

Plus the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers The Hong Kong Melody Makers arrived on the scene in 2004 under the auspices of HKFYG with sponsorship from The Dragon Foundation. A dynamic group, the singers make up numerous vocal ensembles, performing in a range of styles including vocal jazz and pop. As representatives of Hong Kong they have performed in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Macau and mainland China.

They won the Best Vocal Award at the 2014 Incheon World A Cappella Competition, the Golden Harmony Award (first place, 2009) and the Best Vocal Award and the Best Arrangement Award at the 3rd Asian Youth A Cappella Singing Competition in South Korea.

The singers have performed at the opening ceremony of the 40th Hong Kong Arts Festival and at TEDx as well with many local pop singers, including Eason Chan, Hanjin Tan, Ivana Wong, Kay Tse, Chet Lam, Hins Cheung, Khalil Fong, Justin Lo, Robynn & Kendy, James Ng, Peco Chui, Yao Jue and Jonathan Wong. They are performing in support of the visiting ensembles throughout March and April.

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HKFYG March 2017 | Youth Hong Kong

52

Flexible employment the preferred choice?

F

lexible emplyment has become popular worldwide and according to this survey, it offers a better work-life balance and more autonomy than a conventional job. However, the latter is usually better paid in Hong Kong. Does working flexibly have other disadvantages?

Flexible workers in this survey include: Independent contractors who work on a per-project basis Freelancers who own their own company Multiple job-holders with traditional and freelance assignments Full-timers who also do informal part-time work Temporary personnel who are hired for less than a year Part-timers who work less than 30 hours per week

Comments from group members

Members of the youth think tank group working on the survey with the Federation’s Youth Research Centre emphasize the need for better career support for flexible work as a top priority.

Flexible employment is an increasingly popular option in Hong Kong among the young, who like to choose where and when they work. However, it brings problems such as unrecognized work experience, employment contracts and inadequate business and professional support. Nevertheless, over half of all Hong Kong working youth had done flexible work in the year before this survey. 52.4% of them say it gives greater control over working hours and 44.8% say it’s more lucrative than conventional full-time, salaried jobs.

Kyle Si “Employers and other stakeholders need better understanding of this kind of work in order to provide opportunities for more diversified youth career development.

A support platform or “flexi-circle” with information on vacancies, business consultancies, legal and other professional services for flexible workers would be useful.”

David Wong “The government’s Qualifications Framework contains a ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ mechanism that claims to be a ‘measure to recognize work experiences and competencies acquired by practitioners at the workplace,’ yet it does not recognize the accumulation of flexible work experience. This should be changed. Flexible employment should also be included as a factor in official manpower projections to provide suitable training and retraining opportunities.”

Keith Leung “The concept of flexible employment could be introduced in career and life planning education at secondary school so that students understand more about the diverse modes of employment that might be available to them in future.”

Report No. 17 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. Employment & Economic Development group Published title “Flexible Employment of Today’s Youth” 528 working youth aged 15-34 were successfully polled in a random sample telephone survey.

20 young people doing flexible work and 5 experts or academics were also interviewed.

Full details [in Chinese] yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=0c7db674-05fa-4de0-8627-a199a0741b81&corpname=yrc&i=9551

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“Hong Kong 2030+” Improving Liveability

T

own planning is important to the younger generation. 57.8% of respondents to this survey think Hong Kong’s liveability is above average. They rate it at average of 5.8 on a 1-10 scale. What do they suggest to improve the situation?

80.2% of young people in this survey believe firmly that Hong Kong must increase its land supply to meet housing demands, whereas 74% say the city’s greatest shortcoming is its crowded living environment. 61.1% say the best way forward is to develop brownfield sites. They also say a liveable city should provide a good living environment and quality of life.

Comments from group members and convener

The main emphasis of comments is on making the city a better place to live, on providing incentives for developers and on creating a cluster effect in residential areas for specific industry professionals.

Justen Li, convener “A range of indicators are used to measure livability. The assessment criteria are mainly environmental or social and in Hong Kong I believe they should include rankings specifically for social capital, including social networks, trust, solidarity and social cohesion. Also, to promote cultural distinctiveness, the government should consider providing developers with incentives to include artistic elements that reflect local culture in building design.”

Calvin Lam, member “The government should formulate a brownfield development policy as a priority, including a comprehensive picture of brownfield redevelopment patterns and characteristics. The government could also create a web page with information on brownfield sites for public reference and rational discussion.”

Hong Kong 2030+,* a government consultation document, aims to address the question of how much land should be provided, what type and where. It gives figures from the Census and Statistics Department which predict that Hong Kong’s population will peak at 8.22 million in 2043 and then decline, but it actually plans for a larger target population of 9 million. The final report states that it is “not meant to set out a detailed blueprint for Hong Kong’s future development, but to provide a robust strategy that can cater for changes.”

The general approach is, it claims, “to leverage on the existing urban infrastructure, concentrate on the reuse and recycling of the old urban fabric and to do more with less.”

More information

* hk2030plus.hk/index.asp2016 epd.gov.hk/epd/SEA/eng/file/ExecutiveSummary(Eng).pdf pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/hk2030/eng/finalreport/pdf/E_16.pdf

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Jeff Kwok, member “Fundamental principles of good town planning include providing not only various types of housing but also the necessary infrastructure investment to generate economic development. The government could also consider creating residential districts specifically for people who work in similar industries to gain a synergistic effect.”

Report No. 18 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. Society & Livelihood group Published title “Young people’s views on “Hong Kong 2030+” 512 18-34 year-olds were successfully polled in a random sample telephone survey.

20 young people and 4 experts or academics were also interviewed.

Full details [in Chinese] yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=ca8aed25-8ca2-4516-93e7aef33cb482e5&corpname=yrc&i=9591&locale=zh-HK

Political Appointments Young People’s Views

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he Political Appointment System was introduced in 2008 by the Hong Kong SAR government. It superseded the Principal Officials Accountability System. What do young people think of it in the run-up to the next Chief Executive's term in office ?

Nearly two-thirds (64.8%) of the respondents say they do not trust principal officials. 57.7% say they expect principal officials to be able to grasp the essence of public opinion and 55.2% expect them to be accountable. Major problems with the appointment system were identified as the absence of a performance-monitoring mechanism (43.9%) and the poor transparency of the appointment process (35.2%).

Comments from group members

Richard Cheng, convener “Hong Kong’s political landscape is full of challenges, so greater mutual trust and understanding between the public and officials, as well as improved performance by the officials in question, are desirable.”

by Colt Group flic.kr/p/kEbJmr

On the other hand, participants in a parallel discussion group considered that the appointments system has value in that it provides opportunities for capable people to serve Hong Kong while enhancing awareness − among officials of the need for accountability, and among the general public of the need to monitor the officials’ performance.

Furthermore, some focus group participants express concern about their own lack of a political network and experience.

Ansel Lam “Hong Kong lacks people with political talent and I think all parties concerned, including the government, tertiary institutions, political parties and think tanks, need to open up platforms where future talent might be nurtured for the benefit of society as a whole.”

Ray Poon “The appointment system is still being developed. It would be a good idea if the experience of former officials were passed on as a reference for the future development of the system.”

Report No. 19 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. Governance & Constitutional Development group Published title “Young People’s Views on the Performance of Political Appointments” 532 15-34 year-olds were polled in a random telephone poll survey in January 2017. Four focus group discussion sessions were held in January and February with 20 young people and five academics or experts were interviewed.

Full details [in Chinese] yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/news.aspx?id=94034ed4-3e2e-4f569c53-27c5c7a5f4d4&corpname=yrc&i=9559&locale=zh-HK More details about the Political Appointment System en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_Appointments_System_in_Hong_Kong

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Publisher : The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

香港青年協會

hkfyg.org.hk．m21.hk

Youth Hong Kong: 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel : 3755 7084．3755 7108．Fax : 3755 7155．Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk．Website : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian 香 港 青 年

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