Keith Gurung said he had lost some skills and stamina having stayed at home and welcomed the low-intensity outing for practice as his favourite football training returns.

“It’s important to enjoy the outdoors after the long [time out] because it can improve our physical and mental health, keeps us strong and fit, and it’s always a fun time. It also helped us get away from our hectic school schedules.”

Form 1 pupil Pradhan Srija perhaps put it best when describing life during the pandemic: “It’s been an interesting but very boring experience. I couldn’t meet friends.”

Now that friends, teammates and coaches are back doing what they do best, Trey Deaver, the Valley chairman, is cautiously optimistic that a return to normal might be possible.

“‘Normal’ is relative, but we are getting back to a point where we can practice and compete,” Deaver said.

“This will mark the second year in a row that all three seasons – hockey, netball, and rugby – have been shortened or cancelled. So we are all excited to get back and there is a real buzz among our members. Each new reduction in restrictions brings us one step closer to normality.

“Sports isn’t just about exercise. It creates a sense of community, family. Being able to compete against helps relieve stress, sharpens the mind, and allows for excellent socialisation that we have all been missing and craving. It’s been amazing to see the enjoyment on people’s faces as we slowly work ourselves back into shape.”

For Integrated Brilliant Education Limited (IBEL) co-founder and CEO Manoj Dhar, the past two years have been “unnaturally disruptive” for his pupils, “even from the perspective of just academics”.

“To top that, when strict social-distancing measures frequently prevented access to sports competitions and facilities, it served to deprive the children of crucial childhood and growing up experiences, learning, joys.

“The [Sports Day] provided our young ones with a sense of safety, and gave them confidence to restart and regain the simple joys of childhood.

“Sports introduces children to and inspires them to develop active and healthy lifestyles. The competitive aspect provides them with invaluable life lessons – rise after every fall, teamwork and ethic, learn to utilise both brawn and brain, respect. Children grow up appreciating that unity and inclusivity are the quintessence of human society.”

“Over the past two years, Hong Kong’s children have shown tremendous resilience. Thus, at a point when Hong Kong is fast returning to normalcy, it’s critical to prioritise the children. What better way to do that than via sports?”