Hong Kong’s first Nike Grind public court to help city’s new-gen basketball players blossom
- Made of 20,000 pairs of used trainers, the rooftop Shek Lei Grind Court could help combat player retention problem, says prominent coach Yum
- Women’s national team player Lau welcomes youth-catered dimensions but fears rogue selfie-takers and slam-dunkers may damage courts
Hong Kong has unveiled its first “Nike Grind” public court aimed for young basketball players and uniquely made from 20,000 pairs of used trainers in Kwai Chung.
The Shek Lei Grind Court, located on the roof of Shek Lei Shopping Centre, is open to the public from June 25 and is part of Nike’s “zero-waste future” initiative. The court is made from recycled or regenerated plastics, rubber, foam and more, with overlay designs by British illustrator James Jarvis.
Organisers strategically picked Shek Lei for its “humble neighbourhood” comprising of nearly a dozen primary and secondary schools, with the court and rim dimensions scaled down to cater for younger players.
Kids in the area supposedly have “limited access to a healthy sports lifestyle” due to lack of space and sports facilities. The grind court replaced what was previously a run-down, often-unused singular basketball court.
Hong Kong men’s basketball team star Tsai Choi-kwan, fellow Basketball League A1 Division player Cheung Yin-lung, national women’s team player Lau Fong-ying and Heep Yunn School coach Dora Yum Ming-man shared valuable expertise to six children from InspiringHK Sports Foundation – a local NGO promoting youth engagement through social mobility and sports – in a short training session.
