VIOLET HILLS TWINS CHALLENGE

First-of-its kind, the Violet Hill Twins Challenge 2022 is an annual virtual trail running event that will provide all 20 cash prizes from the sponsor (the Yvonne Lui Trust) allowing every participant to donate their entire fee registration, and fundraising, to local charity, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry. Open to all levels between 17 January - 14 February 2022, there are 5km, 28km and 50km trail options so register here to support your local community.

Race Period：
2022 / 02/ 01 (06:00 HKT) - 2022 / 02 / 28 (18:00 HKT)
Elite Day：
2022 / 01/ 20 (07:30 HKT - 10:00 HKT)
Enrollment Deadline：
2022 / 02 / 21 (23:59 HKT)
Runner's Pack Pick-up Period：
2022 / 01 / 15 – 2022 / 02 / 27

www.vhtc.com.hk

#REDISCOVERHK

Social media #RediscoverHK Campaign highlights beautiful trails and ecological resources

Conservation International, the Yvonne Lui Trust, world champion SUP athlete Chris Bertish, and Hong Kong’s professional endurance athlete Wong Chun Kiu combined forces to bring awareness to the natural beauty of coastal Hong Kong and its undervalued ecosystem, the mangroves. Check out the videos here:

The superheroes of trees, “mangroves are amongst the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet. They remove carbon from the atmosphere, storing it in plants and sediments below, absorbing over ten times more than tropical forests! They are one of the best natural climate solutions we have but, when mangroves are destroyed, this carbon is released contributing to climate change.  These ecosystems are also some of the most biologically diverse on the planet and their strong root systems literally holds Hong Kong’s coastline in place”, said Ocean ambassador Chris Bertish.

Mangroves are a natural protection that Hong Kongers should safeguard but they are being destroyed by development, and degraded by pollution: the tragedy is that this is happening without many realising what’s being lost. #RediscoverHK encourages Hong Kongers to get out there and see these wonderful trees first hand.

Coach Wong and Yvonne took to the trails to highlight the beautiful countryside that surrounds them. Trail running or walking in the great outdoors has provided respite for a great number of Hong Kongers during the pandemic. “Covid has been a humbling experience for all, but it enabled me to search out and find more natural beauty in Hong Kong. Whilst HK is a concrete jungle, it is also surrounded by lush hills, 261 magnificent islands and dramatic rock formations. That is the attraction for me, and particularly the mountains: I love the way that mountains make you realise how tiny your problems are … I was glad to make the most of the beautiful countryside that surrounds me which I hadn’t explored much before”, said Yvonne.

Coach Wong shared that Hong Kong’s nature is an extension of Hong Kongers own home, “it is for Hong Kongers to explore and enjoy”. The ultra-runners shared their favourite coastal lines and trails for Hong Kongers to visit and marvel at what Nature provides: the MacLehose Trail - Stage 2 and Ham Tin Wan (Long Ke Wan) where the trail overlooks Sharp Peak were two such places. To see more beautiful views, check out their Instagram handles:

www.instagram.com/yvonneluitrust

www.instagram.com/wongchunkiu_

ART IS NOT JUST FOR THE ELITE

Having sponsored performances in 2021, the Trust is also working with the HK Ballet’s Accessibility Fund to enable cultural trips to its performances, specifically targeting the underprivileged and those who can neither afford nor access ballet under normal circumstances.

A community initiative, the complimentary tickets sponsored by the Trust for October’s rendition of The Sleeping Beauty will enable 48 children from all walks of life to be inspired by dance and the grace, skill and determination of Hong Kong’s dancers.

DISABILITY DOES NOT MEAN INABILITY

 In September, the Yvonne Lui Trust reached out to Hong Kong charity Sailability to host some of their clients on board of our Founder’s sailing yacht.

The mission of Sailability is to enable Hong Kongers with disabilities and those experiencing many of life's challenges through illness or accident, to realise their potential through personalised training and support whilst enjoying the freedom of sailing.

A day on the water provides respite and inspiration to individuals often left out by society. Sailing inspires confidence, while being at sea is fantastic for mental health. The Trust believes that disability does not mean inability, and that sailing should be accessible for everyone.

PROJECT MOUNT EVEREST X LION ROCK

In February 2021, the Trust was proud to support Wong Ho Fai (Wong Chun Kiu) in his incredible efforts to climb 8,848 metres, the height of Mount Everest, on our very own Lion Rock. Bringing awareness to Coach Wong’s challenge and helping him partner with local charity, Mother’s Choice, The Trust was awe-inspired by Coach Wong’s determination and can-do spirit.

Succeeding in his challenge, Coach Wong is a real Hong Kong hero who has raised for the charity. Before the feat, he had no background in rock climbing. Coach Wong said, “I will apply the strength and endurance that I use in ultra-running to do laps up and down Lion's Rock to raise awareness and funds for Mother's Choice … …: Partnership, Community Care, Contribution - these are things that will push me forward up the mountain. I share the children charity's vision: To see every Hong Kong child in a loving family".

Mother’s Choice gives hope to Hong Kong’s babies and children without families, as well as pregnant teenagers. “Many of the kids they look after have been through hard times, through abuse or neglect; or they are among the 4000 Hong Kong children institutionalised. They all persevere and fight on with the help of charities like Mother's Choice. Giving back to them, is giving back to the community today and tomorrow, and I hope that other Hong Kong children facing tough obstacles in their lives, whatever they may be, can watch this and have the confidence and hope that if you put your mind to it, you can take on any mountain or any challenge", added Coach Wong.