(From left) Principal of Buddhist Ho Nam Kam College, Ma Po-hung; CEO of the Hong Kong Award for Young People, Joyce Chan Kit-yee; Chief Executive of BOC Life, Wilson Tang Chee-ping; and Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life, Vivienne Chiu Yeung, pose for a photo during a media briefing on Jan 24, 2024, to introduce an upcoming charity event in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. (GABY LIN / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Young people need to step out of their homes and reconnect with nature to relieve the mental tension accumulated over the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, chief of a Hong Kong nonprofit organization stressed on Wednesday.

Joyce Chan Kit-yee, CEO of Hong Kong Award for Young People (HKAYP), said this at a media briefing to introduce an upcoming charity race, “AYP BOC Life Rogaine Charity Race 2024”.

The orienteering challenge, hosted by HKAYP and sponsored by BOC Life, will take place on Sunday with the goal of upholding young people’s mental vitality while also raising funds for local youth development.

Over 800 students and people from various walks of life – nearly double the number of participants of the previous 2022 event, are set to trek through Lam Tsuen and its surrounding areas in northeastern New Territories to locate checkpoints and collect scores. More than 60 percent of participants under 30 years old.

HKAYP aims to collect HK$600,000 in funds from the charity race to boost youth development

“We should be aware, especially during this post-pandemic era, of the mental tension within the young generation,” Chan said. “For this rogaining, we want to have them come out from their comfort zone, to encounter nature, to meet people and open their hearts to breathe in some fresh air … put down their phones and meet friends.” 

Principal of Buddhist Ho Nam Kam College Ma Po-hung, who also attended the media briefing, echoed the necessity of exploring nature outside of campus. 

Ma is hopeful that the participants, particularly students, can learn through the rogaining challenge that the world is way much bigger than what they have witnessed on screens, and realize that there are many more methods to overcome obstacles than they have assumed.

Chan said the hours-long rogaining will serve as a test of endurance, determination, and teamwork.

Chief Executive of BOC Life Wilson Tang Chee-ping agreed, saying that he hopes the event can help participants improve themselves both mentally and physically.

HKAYP aims to collect HK$600,000 in funds from the charity race to boost youth development. 

All the funds raised through the event will go towards the organization’s upcoming activities, including soothing leisure events like meditation and hiking that can assist enhance the mental health of young students, said Chan.

Founded in 1961, HKAYP has provided young people with diverse opportunities for decades with a commitment to motivating the next generation to challenge themselves through different activities and voluntary services.

Contact the writer at gabylin@chinadailyhk.com