Window to a new world: City University students to guide special needs teens through Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
Reeve Yuen and Anthony Wong are providing pacing and friendship for students of Mary Rose School
“I thought it would be hard to communicate with him at first, but after meeting my partner, I realised it was actually fun,” said 22-year-old Yuen, who also competes in university taekwondo tournaments.
Wong, part of the university dragon boat team, felt similarly.
“I participated in this programme because I wanted to help, but I was a bit worried beforehand,” the 21-year-old said. “But working with Cheuk-man was unexpectedly easy – it was kind of mind blowing.”
Chan Lok-nam, 18, and Man Cheuk-man, 17, are students of Mary Rose School, a special needs school led by principal Chan Nga-lai.
Along with a healthy mix of students, teachers and volunteers, the pair will challenge themselves in this Sunday’s 10km category.
“Back in 2008, we realised that some students had a gift in these kinds of sports; it’s simple as long as you can run, so we gradually trained up their stamina and technique.
“We soon faced a problem: the students have to be accompanied by someone, especially for long runs. So we managed to find universities willing to collaborate with us and we matched our students up with their students according to speed and ability. This year, we’ve partnered with CityU for the first time.”
“For them, it’s a window to the so-called ‘ordinary’ people,” said principal Chan. “It’s a chance to get to know somebody who is not from school. It’s also a window for the wider public to reach in to.
“When you observe them training, some of the more sociable students take the initiative to talk to their partners – to raise questions, even if they are simple or silly – and start a conversation. It’s a sport as well as a social event.”
Partner Yuen certainly has his work cut out for him, however, as his counterpart is one of the most experienced runners at the school.
“We warm up and train together but he’s very experienced. I guide him throughout, telling him to watch out if we’re running outside the [normal] tracks.
“When I get tired I look next to me and he just keeps moving. They won’t slow down, and it’s motivational because if they can do it, why can’t I?”
For dragon boater Wong, the difficulty lies in concentration and discipline.
“My responsibility is to be beside him, keep the pace, and avoid these kinds of things happening.
“Running 8km is like the last 20m of a dragon boat race; it’s very frustrating but with each race, we become more motivated and step on the gas.”
With an army of such high-spirited young partners for her students, Chan is overwhelmed with excitement ahead of race day. And rightly so, considering she will be there every step of the way.
“I was a PE teacher before I became principal, doing running and swimming. It’s not hard work, it’s my thing,” she said.
“I definitely want to show my students and staff that I am one of them; I want to show them the right attitude in practice and competitions.
“I don’t know what words to use to express my gratitude to these lovely people who offered such a valuable opportunity for us,” added Chan.
“I always encourage them to make full use of it and try our best to open up to people.”