We believe rugby has a unique ability to bring people together, transcending borders and cultures. Last summer, we welcomed a delegation of student rugby players from the Greater Bay Area to join us in Hong Kong for the Jockey Club Rugby United Regional Rugby Experience Day. This time, we returned the favour and sent three delegations of 100+ Hong Kong students to travel to Shenzhen and Foshan this summer.
During team formation, we intentionally mixed the students so they would play with students from different schools, backgrounds, ethnicities. The mixed teams went through 3 Pre-Tour Training Sessions to strengthen their cohesion and team spirit. One student shared that he initially faced challenges with language barriers but overcame it through icebreaking games and using simple rugby terms. This led them to excel on the field as a group.
The tours were held in partnership with two different schools in Shenzhen: Bao'an Songgang Experimental School and Nanshan Experimental Education Group Qianhai Harbor School. Students from both sides presented souvenirs and enjoyed local snacks with each other after the game. The Hong Kong students also had a tour of the school and were impressed with the similarities and differences. In late July, we took a delegation for a two-day-one-night tour to Foshan, in partnership with the GBA Youth Rugby Academy and Hualong Rugby Club. They also paid a visit to the Chimelong Safari Park, where they witnessed animals from all over the world.
The Regional Rugby Experience Tour to Mainland China was a transformative experience for these young athletes. It showcased the power of sport to bridge cultural gaps, create lifelong memories, and foster friendships that transcend borders. Through their journey, they discovered that the true essence of rugby lies not only in the game but in the connections made along the way. As they travelled back home, their hearts were filled with joy for the unforgettable experiences, and their spirits were forever shaped by this remarkable summer adventure.
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