(Hong Kong, 11th April 2023) Recently, Rugby For Good, with continuous support from the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation hosted the "Tackling Language Combined Schools Fun Day" at the AIA Vitality Hub in Central. The event aimed to use rugby as a medium to encourage and build confidence for both Chinese and ethnic minority students to communicate using their second language. The event attracted a total of four schools and nearly 50 students participated.
Through rugby training and various group activities, students could unleash their full potential by learning how to help each other, respect and appreciate cultural differences with intentionally-designed activities. Student can significantly enhance their social interaction skills and teamwork spirit through interaction with students from other schools.
"The 'Tackling Language' project is one of the core projects of Rugby For Good. We are very grateful for the continuous support of the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, which allows us to provide tangible help to more students in need, enabling them to develop good habits through sports, learn skills needed for better integration into society, build confidence in using their second language, and ultimately improve their communication skills and confidence through our rugby activities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future to provide upward mobility opportunities for more children and youth," said Rocky Chow, Chief Community Officer of Hong Kong Rugby Union and Rugby For Good.
It was great to have the attendance of Laureus Sport for Good Ambassadors Daniel Lee Chi Wo, Sir Chris Hoy, and Schalk Brits. Not only were they eager to learn about the methodology of the project, but they also got involved with all the interactive games and shared their career experiences with the students, promoting positive values and the impact sport can have for youth. Laureus ambassador Daniel Lee Chi Wo said, "Verbal communication is essential in modern society. Confidence is crucial for students working hard to learn a second language, and sports are a fun way to establish a social circle and promote communication quickly. Today is my first time interacting with non-Chinese-speaking students, and I found that they also communicate in different languages. Although they may not fully understand each other, they still enjoy working together to play games. I am very pleased to participate and experience how this innovative approach can help students enhance their confidence in their second language and strengthen community cohesion."
Luk Ping Chung, the sports teacher from Man Kwan Pak Kau College, who led the students in participating in the event, said, "The 'Tackling Language' program of Rugby For Good is one of the few sports activities that focus for our non-Chinese speaking students. The program shows that non-Chinese speaking students are valued, and it has increased their sense of belonging both in school, as well as on the rugby team. At the same time, it has also increased opportunities for local students to work with non-Chinese speaking students, which is a great experience."
Finally, Rugby For Good would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation for its support and to all the students and coaches who participated in the event. We look forward to more collaborations to help young people from diverse backgrounds face future challenges with greater confidence.
