By HKSAPD
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled joined hands with Victoria Recreation Club (VRC) to establish a new Para Archery Range (the Range) at Emerald Bay, Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung, with the generous financial support from the Sir David Trench Fund.
The Range is the Association’s first permanent Para Archery Range developed in collaboration with a recreation club. It aims to provide a long-term and stable training venue for the Hong Kong squad and people with physical impairments.
The facilities of the Range are tailor-made to the needs of the physically impaired and priority will be given to the Association’s athletes for regular training, while the Range will also be open to members of VRC and the public.
To further promote and penetrate Para archery in the community, the Association will organise various events at the Range such as fun day, training courses and coaching courses, which enable the Association to enhance participants’ interests in Para archery, as well as identify and nurture new talents and coaches. In the meantime, the Hong Kong team can benefit from the facility for enhancing their competitiveness, facilitating the sustainable development of local Para sports.
Dr. Leung Lai Yin, Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled said at the ground-breaking ceremony on June 5, “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Association this year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to VRC on teaming up for this meaningful project. We are deeply grateful for the strong support from the Government and stakeholders, as well as the generous financial support from the Sir David Trench Fund. We eagerly look forward to the project’s completion in this coming fall. With the opening of the Range, we believe it will help the Hong Kong team pursue excellence and drive sports for people with physical impairments.”
Mr. Ma Choi Chong, Patrick, Head Para Archery Coach said, “We have been looking forward to providing an appropriate and permanent training venue for Para archery athletes. The Range has taken full consideration of their needs. It will provide an environment close to the requirements of Para archery competitions including wheelchair-accessible pathways and fixed archery targets which allow athletes to perform independent trainings. It can then contribute to improving training efficiency and standards.”
