Danielle Roberts, Author at Sassy Mama

Chinese New Year 2025: Dates & CNY Events For Families In Hong Kong

Danielle Roberts — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 22:00:50 +0000

Here’s everything you need to know about welcoming the Year of the Snake in 2025 and all the Chinese New Year events to check out with your family in Hong Kong!

Chinese New Year is the Hong Kong’s most significant holiday and a great opportunity to experienced a traditional celebration with family. Previous years have seen streets decorated with CNY lanterns, dragon and lion dances, plus abundant Lunar New Year feast to be shared with loved ones.

2025 festivities promise to be bigger than ever. We’ve gathered all the info you’ll need on popular Chinese New Year customs and traditions in Hong Kong. Looking forward to welcoming The Year of the Snake!

Jump To:
When Is Chinese New Year?
Origins Of Chinese New Year
How To Celebrate Chinese New Year In Hong Kong
Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Events In Hong Kong
Chinese New Year Food

When Is Chinese New Year In 2025?

Following the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year usually takes place in either January or February. Traditionally, this festival used to take place over fifteen days but, in the modern working world, only three days are given in Hong Kong as public holidays. However, many festivities and traditions still carry on past this three-day holiday.

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, 29 January 2024.

Chinese New Year is a time meant to be spent with family. It almost always records one of the largest human migrations in the world!

Origins Of Chinese New Year — The Spring Festival

Chinese New Year is believed to have originated in agrarian society from when farmers used to pray for success in the coming farming season, which is why the celebration is also known as the Spring Festival. Legend has it that a monster named Nian would come to the villages once a year and eat children and livestock and that the only way to banish it was with red decorations and plenty of loud noise. Fireworks and lion and dragon dances are some of the colourful and loud traditional displays that are still seen today.

The Chinese Zodiac — Welcome to the Year of the Snake

While the origins of this tradition aren’t certain, the zodiac has been a part of the Chinese calendar and new year since around the Tang dynasty (618 to 907 AD). The zodiac follows a 12-year cycle with each Chinese New Year representing a different animal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The (lunar) year when you are born determines what animal you’re associated with.

Similar to Western astrology, each animal attribution has its personality traits and will have different levels of luck depending on what year of the zodiac it is. Contrary to popular belief, the year of your zodiac is considered bad luck, so if you were born in the Year of the Snake you should take extra care to protect yourself from bad spirits this year! This can be done by wearing lots of red clothes.

How To Celebrate Chinese New Year In Hong Kong

Before the new year, locals clean out their homes and get haircuts as it is considered bad luck to do either of these activities during the time of the New Year. Then, on New Year’s Eve, families will gather for a special reunion dinner (nian ye fan, 團圓飯). Traditionally this dinner is meant to be held at the most senior family member’s home, but in modern times these dinners are often held wherever convenient (or at a family-friendly restaurant). During the first two days of Chinese New Year, families will visit each other and have large dinners, often wearing brand new clothes. Families will also take this time to visit temples to seek out blessings and luck for the coming year.

Sightsee the Chinese New Year Decorations

Just before the new year, families and businesses will start to decorate their homes with fai chun (揮春). These are bright red and golden banners and décor that contain sayings of luck and prosperity. Traditionally, fai chun used to be hand-painted but now you can easily find this décor just about anywhere in Hong Kong.

Many shopping malls around Hong Kong will have fabulous Lunar New Year decorations, and there is often a lovely lantern display near the clocktower at Tsim Sha Tsui.

Head To The Chinese New Year Flower Markets

The Hong Kong flower markets that pop up in Victoria Park and other locations around the city are back for 2024 for you to get your flower fix. You’ll see florists and nurseries overflowing at this time of year and a stroll through the Mong Kok flower markets can make for a lovely day out with the kids.

Some popular plants to decorate your home to welcome the new year include:

Kumquat or mandarin trees – Wealth and good luck
Orchids – Elegance and fertility
Lucky bamboo – Good fortune and happiness
Peach blossoms – Growth and prosperity

Exchange Chinese New Year Lai See (利市) packets

Children and adults who are unmarried will receive lai see (利市) packets, which translate as “lucky money” from family and friends. These little red envelopes contain money, often newly issued and never in unlucky denominations. The number four, for example, is – sei 四 – which is also the homophone for death – sei (死), so definitely not a lucky number!

Lai see is also given by bosses to employees, and married couples will also give lai see to those who provide them with a daily service like a doorman, security guard or a cashier at the supermarket.

Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Events In Hong Kong

If you’re looking for fun activities to do with the kids during Chinese New Year, check out these events taking place in 2025.

Lion Dances – Chinese New Year event held at various locations across Hong Kong

The lion dance is said to chase away evil spirits and usher in good luck and prosperity. The lion dance often has a common traditional element that takes place called “picking the greens” (採青). Oranges, tangerines or more often lettuce, as it sounds like a lucky word in Chinese (meaning to create wealth), are offered to the lion. Attached to the lettuce is a lai see red packet containing money. This is offered to the lion, who will then act curious and cat-like around it before taking the offering in his mouth. The lion will keep the lai see packet and spit out the greens and it is said that those who catch the greens will have exceptionally good fortune that year.

A few places to catch lion dances include:

AIRSIDE, 8 February 2025
Ngong Ping Village, 27 January to 31 January 2025
Lee Tung Avenue, 29 January to 1 February 2025
Citygate Outlets, 12 February 2025
The Peninsula Hong Kong, 29 January and 1 February 2025

2025 Cathay International CNY Night Parade

Experience the lively Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui area, featuring dazzling floats and talented performers. The parade will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, finishing off at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. Tickets for spectator stands are sold out but if you arrive early, there will be free viewing spots along the parade route. Find more information here.

Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival – Chinese New Year event in Tai Po

This event takes place in Lam Tsuen, New Territories, with festivities taking place over the entire fifteen days of the new year. To partake in this custom, you just have to write a wish attached to a string, with an orange on the other end. You then throw the wish and orange up into the tree. You can also release a wishing lantern at the nearby river to participate in the carnival. This custom and carnival is great fun with kids!

Lantern Festival – Chinese New Year event signifying the end of the celebrations

The last day of Chinese New Year, the 15th day, is called the Lantern Festival (jyun siu zit, 元宵節). This year the Lantern Festival falls on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. Illuminating lanterns is a way of wishing a good start to the new year. Hong Kong holds beautiful Lantern Festivals in a few different spots during the time of Chinese New Year, with the main one in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Lantern Festival is also the equivalent of Valentine’s Day in the West so couples will often spend time together and go on dates.

Food To Savour During Chinese New Year

Food is an essential part of Chinese New Year. When families get together for their New Year dinners, trays of togetherness (cyun hap 全盒), or candy boxes, are brought out. These trays are circular and contain a lucky number of compartments within them, such as six or eight. Traditionally, these trays contain dried fruits, nuts and seeds but many modern ones now include sweets and chocolates. The tray of togetherness is never supposed to be empty during the new year!

Other important New Year dishes include:

Rice cake (nin gou 年糕) – A sweet and sticky treat that literally translates to “new year cake”
Turnip cakes (lok bak go 蘿蔔糕) – A savoury dish that is actually made from daikon, which is a Chinese radish rather than a turnip
Glutinous sweet rice balls (tang yuan 湯圓) – Being served in a bowl of sweet syrup is significant as the name is a homophone for “union”
Poon choi (盆菜) – A traditional Hong Kong dish also known as “basin dish” which originated in the New Territories sometime in the 7^thCentury. Villagers would bring meat and seafood all to be cooked in one pot and shared with the community. The food is arranged so that the delicacies sit on top. Poon Choi can now be eaten just about anywhere in Hong Kong from high-end Michelin-star restaurants to fast food.

Editor’s Note: “Chinese New Year In Hong Kong: Welcome The Year Of The Snake” was most recently updated in January 2025 by Sassy Mama.

The post Chinese New Year 2025: Dates & CNY Events For Families In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Acting Lessons, Speech And Drama Classes For Kids In Hong Kong

Danielle Roberts — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:00:16 +0000

Does your child have a knack for creating imaginative stories or commanding attention in a room? It’s time to nurture that spark! Here are our top picks for acting lessons, speech and drama classes in Hong Kong to help your child shine both on stage and in life!

If your kid has a flair for dramatics, why not cater to their strengths and get them involved in a speech, debate, acting or drama class? It’ll not only develop life skills such as problem-solving and effective communication but can eventually become the foundational blocks of strong leaders and assertive adults. Speech and drama classes are also a great way for kids to work in a team and gain confidence. Here are some of the best places to learn drama and acting, effective communication, public speaking, debate and presentation skills and more in Hong Kong.

Faust — Hong Kong theatre and drama classes and workshops for kids

With over 25 years of experience, Faust empowers young people to boost their confidence and unleash their creativity onstage and beyond. They offer drama, musical theatre and creative writing workshops (suitable for learners aged 4 to 19 years) for your child’s after-school activities in Hong Kong. Term 2 begins in January 2025 and Term 3 starts in March 2025. Students proudly showcase their talents in their very own production at the annual Faust Festival.

Sassy Mama Tip: Get a discount when booking multiple terms or siblings.

Faust, 5/F, Nan Dao Commercial Building, 359 and 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2547 9114, www.instagram.com/fausthk, www.faustworld.com

Kids Gallery – Musical theatre, speech and communication, performing arts and drama classes in Hong Kong

Kids Gallery has a variety of drama and speech classes for children from 2 to 12 years. These range from musical theatre to speech and communication, performance-based workshops for the London College of Music (LCM) Speech Festival, interview prep and holiday camps.

Kids Gallery, various locations across Hong Kong, 9682 5082 www.kidsgallery.com

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) – Musical theatre dance and singing for children

At HKAPA’s EXCEL, kids will focus on three core performing skills: singing, acting and dancing. Students will develop confidence and will really get to grips with musical theatre genre. Family and friends will see a final performance to showcase all the students have learned. Their children programmes are suited for kids aged 5 to 12 years.

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2584 8721, www.hkapa.edu

CentreStage Studios HK – Communication skills, vocal coaching, acting lessons and more

CentreStage Studios Young Cubs programme aims to expose kindergarten students to the magical world of theatre. All coaches have vocational training as well as professional performance experience. CentreStage Studios specialises in acting, communication skills, vocal coaching and musical theatre classes.

CentreStage Studios HK, 6/F, The Repulse Bay Club, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, 5689 2272, 5236 7960, www.centrestagestudioshk.com

Trinity College Hong Kong – Internationally recognised English drama courses, acting lessons, musical theatre and speech classes

Trinity College London and the Trinity exam is an international exam board that’s recognised for assessments and courses all over the world. At its centre in Hong Kong, kids (5 years and up) will learn to develop their communication and interpersonal skills within each programme.

Trinity College Hong Kong, 6 Floor, Gee Tuck Building, 16-20 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2366 3792, www.trinitycollege.hk

Studio Starlit (by Starlit Voice) – Musical theatre workshops, public speaking and kids drama classes in Hong Kong

This unique and unconventional youth theatre production company is dedicated to nurturing the talents of all young performers and public speakers. Here you’ll find a variety of after-school courses, workshops and private one-on-one classes, as well as performance-based holiday camps and online courses.

Starlit Voice, 1004 Knutsford Commercial Building, Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwoloon, Hong Kong, 2108 2180, WhatsApp: 6084 4111, www.starlitvoice.com

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Hong Kong drama and acting lessons for kids to teens

Helen O’Grady started as a teacher as well as an actress and took her knowledge of children’s development and her passion for acting to create her own Drama Programme. It is suitable for kids aged 3 to 17 years and aims to develop confidence, communication and positivity through performing arts and teamwork.

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, various locations across Hong Kong, 2194 1468, www.helenogradyhk.weebly.com

Hong Kong Children’s Musical Theatre – CMT Hong Kong performing arts for kids

Hong Kong Children’s Musical Theatre (CMT) offers an all-round performing arts training programme for kids and teens between 2.5 and 17 years. The course has elements of acting, dancing and singing and students also learn about the values of quality, compassion and caring for the planet. These courses require an audition before children are admitted. Please note that these courses are primarily in Cantonese.

Hong Kong Children’s Musical Theatre, various locations across Hong Kong, 2566 6677, www.cmt.org.hk

Future Leaders Academy – Debating and public speaking courses for kids in Hong Kong

Future Leader Academy hopes to inspire critical thinking and communication while teaching children to form reasoned and factual arguments. The aim is to develop leadership skills and uncover tomorrow’s leaders. Your children will have the chance to participate in both local and international competitions for debate, public speaking and writing. Children aged 7 to 15+ years can join the debate programmes, while the public speaking ones start at four years.

Future Leaders Academy, various locations across Hong Kong, 3689 1262, WhatsApp: 6926 3294, www.futureleaders.com.hk

See Change Education – Online debate and public speaking courses for children

See Change Education aims to expand on a child’s worldview and encourage him or her to think outside the box. Many of the tutors are from Ivy League schools so your kids will get coached by graduates from some of the best universities in the world. Suitable for children from 5 to 12 years, a free trial is also available for these online classes. The institute also has a “Women in STEM” public speaking programme to inspire young girls.

See Change Education, WhatsApp: 9722 0818, www.learn.seechange-edu.com

Kids Edge Education – Storytelling, school entrance interview training, public speaking courses and more

While mainly focused on academic success, Kids Edge Education also has communication classes for kids. It offers primary school interview preparation courses along with a storytelling programme for K2- and K3-aged kids. The aim is to help enhance their creativity, public speaking, logic and language development. It also offers programmes for those who want to participate in the HK Schools Speech Festival.

Kids Edge Education, various locations across Hong Kong, 2868 0636, 2868 0772, www.kidsedge-education.com.hk

Editor’s Note: “Kids’ Acting Lessons, Speech And Drama Classes In Hong Kong” was originally published by Danielle Roberts and most recently updated in November 2024 by Sassy Mama.

The post Acting Lessons, Speech And Drama Classes For Kids In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Kids’ Sports Classes In Hong Kong: Badminton, Rugby, Tennis & More

Danielle Roberts — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 22:00:17 +0000

Have your kids got energy to burn? There are plenty of kids’ sports classes in Hong Kong to help. From tennis to badminton, horse riding to basketball and more, these sports lessons in Hong Kong will get the kids’ hearts pumping!

Not only do sports make a great extracurricular activity, but they also teach kids essential skills like teamwork and sportsmanship, all the while keeping them physically active. Hong Kong is packed with great sports classes for kids so we’ve done the leg work for you in finding the very best ones for your child’s interest. From tennis and football to rugby and even horse riding, find the right class for your budding fitness fiends to attain their sporting dreams.

Jump to:
Multi-Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Rugby
Badminton
Squash

Kids’ Classes For Multiple Sports In Hong Kong

Minisport – A sampler class of several sports for young kids

If your little one hasn’t quite decided yet which sport has their heart, sign them up for Minisport! With the benefit of small classes and international coaches, your kids – aged 1.5 to 6 years old – will be able to try a diverse sports programme including football, basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics and hockey. Not only will they learn the rules and develop the basics of numerous sports, but children will also create lasting memories having received specialised sports coaching in a supportive and engaging environment. Enrol for term 1 that starts Monday, 19 August, 2024.

Sassy Mama Tip: Download the app to receive $380 in free credit for your first class booking.

Minisport, various locations across Hong Kong, 5409 6512, www.minisport.hk

Dream Sport Academy (DSA) – Kids’ classes for basketball, football, badminton and volleyball

Dream Sport Academy (DSA) was created by a group of ex-professional athletes who wanted to give back to their community by sharing their skills and passion with Hong Kong’s youth. Offering intensive and professional coaching in basketball and football, as well as classes and camps for badminton and volleyball, DSA holds a variety of programmes at several international schools that are suitable for kids aged five and up.

Dream Sports (DSA), various locations across Hong Kong, 3462 2626, www.dreamsports.com.hk

ESF Explore – Multiple sports classes for all ages and levels

Is your little MVP looking for a way to shine? At ESF Explore, your child will have the opportunity to learn numerous sports (including fencing, gymnastics and Krav Maga), improve their physical fitness and engage in constructive afterschool activities under the guidance of highly qualified and experienced coaches. The programmes utilise age-appropriate equipment to ensure a safe environment for all its students.

Sassy Mama Tip: ESF Explore has a refer-a-friend scheme where you can receive a $200 non-refundable credit voucher for each new referee who enrols for a regular class or a holiday class!

ESF Explore, various locations across Hong Kong, 2711 1280, www.esfexplore.org.hk

Kids’ Sports Classes For Basketball

GMF Sports Academy – Nike sports camps and basketball classes for kids

Suitable for kids over the age of 3, GMF Sports Academy hosts a number of Nike Sports Camps, programmes and extracurricular training programmes in basketball that are held at schools all over Hong Kong. Each programme is broken down by age group with the aim to improve skills and have fun. If you’re looking for an all-girls group, GMF Sports Academy offers a programme just for girls aged 8 and over.

GMF Sports Academy, 3996 8912, www.gmfsports.com.hk

Hong Kong Basketball Academy (HKBA) – Private basketball coaching and lessons in Hong Kong

Designed for boys and girls aged 5 to 18 years, the HKBA aims to cultivate basketball skills for players of all abilities in Hong Kong. Kids can work their way up to an elite level where they can play and compete on an international level. You can sign your little player up for a free trial where they are assessed to see where they fit in the development pathway.

Hong Kong Basketball Academy (HKBA), Whatsapp: 6681 7774, www.hkbaallday.com

Other Basketball Classes And Academies For Kids In Hong Kong

Kinder Bounce by APSS – Fun basketball-based programme for young children up to 8 years old. www.kinderkicks.hk
Tiny Tots – Basketball for toddlers 18 months to 5 years. www.tinytots.com.hk

Kids’ Sports Classes For Tennis

Australasia Tennis Aces (ATA) – Kids’ tennis classes in Hong Kong for fun and pro players

Australasia Tennis Aces, or ATA, is a reputable tennis company here in Hong Kong with a wide variety of coaching expertise and programmes for kids and adults. Its Development Squad is suitable for kids 3 to 9 years of age, the Rising Star Squad for kids aged 9 to 14 years and its Elite Squad is reserved for older and more experienced players aged 10 to 17 years. ATA also has its Academy Squad which is for kids from 10 to 17 years old who are strong players and have made tennis their primary sport with the aim of competing in major youth tennis competitions.

Australasia Tennis Aces, 9104 7839, www.atatennisaces.com

Tennis Elite – Kids’ tennis coach in Hong Kong

Tennis Elite is run by Alexey Karpuhkin who has 15 years of coaching experience and is certified in three different countries as well as the Professional Tennis Registry. Choose from private tennis lessons or programmes that are suitable for kids (4 to 10 years) or pre-teens and teens (11 to 17 years old). Competitive tournaments and other social events are also available for your child to participate in.

Tennis Elite, 6681 4478, www.tennis-elite.com

Hong Kong International Tennis Academy (HKITA) – Kids’ tennis coaches in Hong Kong

Established in 2007, HKITA is one of Hong Kong’s largest private tennis academies for kids that boasts having International Tennis Federation (ITF) Level 3 coaches, of which there are only 20 in the world! HKITA offers a programme for kids aged 2 to 18 years of age with beginner, intermediate and elite levels, as well as a programme called Monster Tennis which is for tiny tots under the age of 6 to learn the basics of the game.

Hong Kong International Tennis Academy (HKITA), Unit 3, 9th Floor, New Tech Plaza, 34 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 9662 8888, www.hkita.com

Other Kids’ Tennis Classes And Academies In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy – Tennis classes for 3 to 18 years. www.hkgta.com
Clearwater Bay Golf Club – 5 years up, with outdoor and indoor facilities. www.cwbgolf.org
ProActiv Sports – Tennis classes for 3 to 12 years. www.hk.proactivsports.net
Gold Coast Residences – Private tennis classes in Hong Kong by Mike Walker, for kids over 3 years old. www.sino-hotels.com
ProTennis – Tennis classes for kids from 6 years old. www.facebook.com/ProTennisHK
YMCA Children’s tennis – Kids from 3 to 10 years, indoor tennis and outdoor tennis coaching. www.clle.ywca.org.hk

Kids’ Sport Classes in Hong Kong For Rugby

RugbyTots – Rugby classes for kids loved by parents and kids all over Hong Kong

Max Webb, a rugby-playing parent, couldn’t find pre-school rugby programmes for his young boys so in 2006, Max created RugbyTots. Now an international brand, Rugby Tots caters to children aged 3 to 7 years. The enthusiastic team of coaches at RugbyTots Hong Kong encourages kids to have fun while learning to kick, run, pass the ball and work within a team.

Rugby Tots, 5307 6677, www.rugbytots.hk

Hong Kong Rugby Football Union – Rugby classes for kids aged 4 and up

Rugby in Hong Kong is one of the city’s most popular sports for both kids and adults. The majority of teams and programmes are run through the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU).

Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRU), Room 2001, Olympic House, 1 Stadium Path, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2504 8311, www.hkrugby.com

HKU Sandy Bay Rugby Football Club (HKU Sandy Bay RFC) – Junior rugby programmes in Hong Kong

Boasting over 850 youth members in its junior section, the HKU Sandy Bay RFC offers junior programmes for kids aged 4 to 19. With safety at the helm, kids will receive guidance and mentoring at all levels, with options for free trials before joining the club (membership fees apply). HKU Sandy RFC is an accessible and easy choice for families living in the Sandy Bay area who are looking for top-notch rugby instruction and competition.

HKU Sandy Bay RFC, Stanley Ho Sports Centre, Sha Wan Drive, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, www.hkusandybayrfc.com

Discovery Bay Pirates (DB Pirates) – Rugby in Hong Kong for kids aged 6 up

Living on Lantau Island and want accessible rugby classes for your child? Take a look at the DB Pirates. Founded in 2003, the DB pirates offer rugby classes and teams for kids aged 6 to 19 with girls-only teams also available (membership fees apply). The DB Pirates train and compete in a variety of tournaments throughout the year, with each season capped off with Awards and Fun Day for the kids. DB Pirates also have a decent track record in having its players selected for varying age groups to represent Hong Kong.

DB Pirates, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong, 9816 1450, www.dbpirates.com

Kids’ Sport Classes For Badminton

Hyper Badminton Club – Private and group badminton lessons in Hong Kong

Hyper Badminton was established in 2006 to help kids reach their potential as high-performance badminton players. Coach Sampson carries certifications from the Hong Kong Badminton Association and is also a certified Physical Education teacher. Hyper Badminton offers classes for kids of primary and secondary school age (from beginner to advanced), with locations across Hong Kong.

Hyper Badminton Club, 8101 9200, www.hyper.hk

YMCA of Hong Kong Sports & Recreation – Professional badminton classes for kids

The YMCA of Hong Kong offers professional badminton training for kids aged 3 and above. The comprehensive programmes are meant to encourage kids’ interest in badminton as well as teach them the basic skills needed to compete and perform. The YMCA offers classes for toddlers and kids with a chance to test their skills and compete against each other.

YMCA of Hong Kong – Sports & Recreation, 41 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2268 7010, www.ymcahk.org.hk

Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA) – Badminton coaches for kids in Hong Kong

The HKBA offers junior programmes, school programmes and summer camps for kids who are interested in badminton. The Hong Kong Badminton Training Scheme by the HKBA is targeted at kids ages 9 to 18 years old that includes training classes, examinations, singles competitions and recreational fun days. Kids aged 10 to 13 years who are serious about their craft can look at the Key Youth Army Training programme and have the chance to join the Hong Kong Badminton Team.

Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA), Room 2005, Olympic House, 1 Stadium Path, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2504 8318, www.hkbadmintonassn.org.hk

Kids’ Sport Classes For Squash

Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) Junior Squash – Squash classes for kids to teens

HKFC Junior Squash is open to both members and non-members of the club and is suitable for kids, 6 years and up. Located in Happy Valley, the club offers squash training and fun for kids every Sunday from September to May with shirts, racquets, balls and coaching all included. HKFC Junior Squash aims to promote the game to kids while having fun, staying safe and learning how to improve and progress in the game.

HKFC Junior Squash, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.hkfcsquash.com

South China Athletic Association (SCAA) – Squash courts in Hong Kong to practice your swing

SCAA believes that sport has the ability to improve people and communities. While also offering other sports classes, it has squash lessons available for kids aged 15 and over that come in packages of four lessons. A very small membership fee is required to enrol in the courses but that just means a whole year of squash and athletic programmes for your child to choose from.

South China Athletic Association (SCAA), 88 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2577 6932, www.scaa.org.hk

Hong Kong Squash League – Squash tournaments in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Squash League’s mission is to make sure that squash remains a strong sport in Hong Kong. Here you’ll find squash leagues, tournaments and also a Juniors Squash Award Scheme.

Hong Kong Squash League, G/F, Hong Kong Squash Centre, 23 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, 2869 0229, www.hksquash.org.hk

Other Sports In Hong Kong For Kids

For football classes for kids in Hong Kong, see here.
For horse riding classes for kids in Hong Kong, see here.
For gymnastics classes for kids in Hong Kong, see here.
For dance classes for kids in Hong Kong, see here.
For swimming classes in Hong Kong, see here.
For yoga classes for kids in Hong Kong, see here.

Editor’s Note: “Kids’ Sports In Hong Kong: Badminton, Rugby, Basketball Sports Classes For Kids” was originally published by Danielle Roberts and most recently updated by Sassy Mama in August 2024.

The post Kids’ Sports Classes In Hong Kong: Badminton, Rugby, Tennis & More appeared first on Sassy Mama.

New & Trending Sports: Padel, Pickleball, Ultimate (Frisbee) & More

Danielle Roberts — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 22:00:12 +0000

Everyone’s been talking about padel, pickleball and various trending sports. Ever wondered what makes these new sports unique and if they are the sport for you and your kids?

Having trouble finding a sport that your child enjoys? Maybe it’s because they just haven’t discovered the perfect sport yet. Thankfully, with padel, pickleball, ultimate, tchoukball and more, there are plenty of new, trending, and upcoming sports that are starting to become more popular and accessible in Hong Kong. From team sports to water sports, racquet sports and more, this list will provide sports that can help boost your child’s (or your) general fitness, build teamwork skills, teach balance, hand-eye coordination, or strategy and problem-solving skills. As a bonus, some of them are also sought-after in universities so it’s bound to help in college applications. Check out some awesome sports for you and your kid that you might not have considered before.

Padel

Padel, sometimes called padel tennis, is a racquet sport that is like a mix of tennis and squash. The game was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. The game is traditionally played in doubles, making this a great social sport or family sport to consider. The padel court is smaller than a tennis court, though it uses the same scoring system as tennis and the balls are similar too but they have less pressure. Padel racquets or paddles are somewhat similar to tennis as well in that they are perforated with a pattern of holes. The biggest difference between tennis and padel is the use of walls of which the ball can be similarly played like squash which padel bats also resemble. Serving must be done at or below waist level.

Fun facts about Padel – Lionel Messi has a padel court in his garden and padel is the second most popular sport in Spain after football (sorry, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz!). Needless to say, this emphasises the big jump in popularity padel has seen over the last few years. The padel scene has just kicked off in Hong Kong too. Want to know more about the sport? Try padel at Taikoo Place for a small fee.

Taikoo Place Padel Tour Dates: Currently on until Friday, 19 July 2024; 10am to 8pm
Padel Court Location: One Island East, Taikoo Place
Costs: $100 per 1-hour session plus a refundable booking deposit
Padel Tour Booking: Via Taikoo Place App

Where to play Padel in Hong Kong?

Padel+ – Private and group padel lessons in Sai Kung. www.padelplus.com.hk

Pickleball

While sharing some similarities to padel, pickleball is a very different game. Pickleball uses a perforated and hollow plastic ball. It was invented in 1965 in the United States as a children’s backyard game by former US Congressman, Joel Pritchard. Pickleball shares similarities with tennis and table tennis. The court is slightly smaller than a padel court and like tennis, doesn’t have walls. In pickleball, the service courts are connected to the baseline. Unlike tennis, there is no volley zone between the net and service line commonly known as the “kitchen”. Pickleball also doesn’t follow the scoring systems or rules of tennis or padel. What’s nice about pickleball is that can be played in both singles and doubles as well as both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile sport.

Where to play Pickleball in Hong Kong?

HK Pickleball – A community of players actively promoting the sport in Hong Kong with meet ups. www.hkpickleball.com
Ma Wan Pickleball – Organises meet ups and pickleball sessions weekly. www.mawanpickleball.com
Hong Kong Country Club – Has dedicated days for non-members to play. www.countryclub.hk
Hong Kong Football Club – Need to be a member of guest or a member to play pickleball. www.hkfc.com
Aberdeen Marina Club – Need to be a member or a guest of a member to play pickleball. www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com

Ultimate (Frisbee)

Ultimate, or ultimate frisbee, is an exciting non-contact team sport that was developed in 1968 in New Jersey, United States. One of the reasons the sport’s now called ‘Ultimate’ is that ‘frisbee’ is trademarked by the Wham-O toy company. Ultimate frisbee is similar to many traditional sports but one thing that makes it stand out (besides the use of the frisbee) is that is a self-officiated sport, even at the professional level. This means that even during a highly competitive game, no referees are regulating or watching the game, it’s just the two teams and their sportsmanship running the game. This has been a key factor since the sport’s inception as it values its sportsmanship. Players can call their own fouls as well as dispute them without the need for a referee. Occasionally, clubs will make use of game advisors or observers in times of dispute.

Points are obtained in Ultimate when a team member catches the frisbee in the opposing team’s zone. Players are not allowed to run with the frisbee in hand. Another great feature of Ultimate is that there are both boys, girls and mixed teams and it is a non-contact sport making it attainable to many.

Where to play Ultimate Frisbee in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong Flying Disc Federation (HKFDF) – Offering all flying disc sports including dodgedisc, guts, disc golf and of course ultimate frisbee. www.hkfdf.com

Skateboarding

Did you know that skateboarding is now an Olympic sport? After its debut in Tokyo, it will continue to be part of the prestigious games and we’re looking forward to seeing skateboarding at the Paris Summer Olympics. While skateboarding is popular in many Western countries, Hong Kong’s rugged, narrow and busy sidewalks don’t lend themselves well to a lot of freestyle skateboarding practice (never mind any security guards who don’t like to see kids skateboarding around building premises!). However, there are a lot of designated skateboard-friendly places to take up the sport for newbies and seasoned pros alike.

Where to do Skateboarding in Hong Kong?

All Hong Kong Skateboards Association (AHKSA) – A Hong Kong-based skateboard community events organisation. www.ahksa.org
Kenneth Lee – Private skateboarding lessons with safety, fun and adventure in mind. www.facebook.com/kennethleeskateboarding
Warren Stuart – One-on-one and group class offerings. www.wzahk.com
TKO Skateboarding – Multiple skateboarding coaches to work with. www.tkoskateboarding.com
Elvis Lam – Try a skateboarding summer camp this year! www.kuddo.io

Rock Climbing

This is another sport that is gaining popularity after its inclusion in the Olympics last time. There are three different categories for rock climbing in the Olympics – bouldering, speed and lead. Bouldering is when the athlete climbs a set wall without ropes, speed is about who makes it to the top of a set wall the faster, while lead is a blind climb of a 15m wall. Hong Kong is a phenomenal city for rock climbing, both indoors and out. Many great practice facilities offer courses and all the safety basics to get you or your kid started. For the seasoned rock climber, Hong Kong is home to many great outdoor spaces to practice and hone your skills as well. We have listed just a few but do read our guide to rock climbing for more options.

Attic V – Excellent facility and challenges for all rock climbing abilities. www.atticv.com.hk
Hong Kong Climbing Park – Different types of rock climbing and a Ninja Warrior gym. www.hkclimbingpark.com
Just Climb – Great rock climbing facility with summer programmes on offer. www.justclimb.hk
Keep Climbing – Climbing gym conveniently located in Sheung Wan. www.facebook.com/keepclimbinggym
YMCA King’s Park – Highest outdoor rock climbing wall that’s the highest in Hong Kong. www.ymcahk.org.hk

Lacrosse

If you’re Canadian, lacrosse might not seem like such an outlandish sport. Believe it or not, lacrosse, and not ice hockey, is the country’s national sport! Lacrosse is fast becoming a popular sport in the US too as more universities participate in college tournaments. Outside of North America, lacrosse is a lesser-known sport but it has picked up international popularity in recent times. Lacrosse was first played by the First Nations people of North America as early as the 12^th century and is the oldest organised sport in the continent as well.

Lacrosse is a contact-team sport that slightly resembles ice hockey. Players use a lacrosse stick (long with a net at the end) to throw, catch and shoot the ball into a net that is similar in size to an ice hockey goal. There are five different variations of the game, some of which are played indoors and others outdoor. The men’s game players wear protective gear and are allowed body contact whereas the women’s game does not allow body contact but does allow stick-to-stick contact. Teams can also be mixed. Lacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced game that builds strength, endurance and determination.

Where to play lacrosse in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong Lacrosse Association Limited (HKLAL) – Lacrosse association that regularly hosts international, regional and inter-school competitions. In fact, the World Women’s Under-20 Championship is taking place here in August. www.hklax.org

Water Polo

Water Polo is not a new sport (it originated in 19th century England!) but Hong Kong will see important water polo tournaments in the coming months so it’s likely to be in the news a fair bit! It is an aquatic team sport played with a ball (not horses, sorry!) intending to throw the ball into the other team’s net to score. Players must swim the entirety of the game by treading water and the ball cannot be immersed in the water and can only be thrown with one hand. While it is technically considered a non-contact team sport it is still a highly competitive and physical team sport requiring plenty of cardio endurance, teambuilding, precision and more.

Want to watch water polo to see if it’s the sport for your confident swimmers? The junior nationals water polo tournament is kicking off this weekend and The Asia Pacific Water Polo Tournament is scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from Friday, 9 to Sunday, 11 August 2024.

Where to play water polo in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong China Swimming Association (HKGSA) – Water Polo training for kids 12 and above. www.hkgswimming.org.hk

Other Trending Sports To Watch Out For

Breakdancing or Breaking

Dancing as a sport? We kid you not! Breakdancing makes its debut at the Paris Olympics this year and we expect to see a surge in its popularity.

Pétanque

Pétanque is sometimes considered the French version of lawn bowls. It’s easy to play and doesn’t require major athletic ability, other than being able to throw a ball. Given the interest in all things French currently (perhaps with the Paris Olympics and the sizeable French population), there are a number of Pétanque associations cropping up in clubs around Hong Kong.

Tchoukball

Tchoukball or rebounder was developed as an indoor sport in Switzerland in the 1970s and in Switzerland, Singapore and Taiwan, and is fast spreading to more countries. Want to try it for yourself? Head to the Fun Sports Gala at Summerfest@Central where it will be one of the sports you can try over the weekend.

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Hong Kong Coding: Kids’ Coding & Robotics Classes, STEM Courses And More

Danielle Roberts — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 22:00:46 +0000

When it comes to coding, Hong Kong kids will soon outlearn their parents! AI, machine learning, robotics and technigeering (tech + engineering!) are things that children will grasp incredibly quickly. We’ve rounded up the best STEAM, coding and robotics classes in Hong Kong.

Have a kid who’s always taking apart gadgets to see how they work? Or one who can put together an amazing presentation while you’re still working on PowerPoint? Our children are growing up in a very technological world and if your child is already showing an early interest in gadgets, devices, and games why not sign them up for some coding, STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Maths), or robotics courses?

Learning to code and build is a skill that will always be beneficial and can create opportunities for your child as they grow. Hong Kong has plenty of hands-on and interactive programmes, courses, and summer camps for tech and STEAM-minded children. With summer just around the corner, finding a coding or a STEAM camp is the perfect way to inspire and engage your kids and teens over the summer holidays.

ActiveKids – Hands-on science, robotics and coding for kids in Hong Kong

ActiveKids has been delivering quality educational courses for kids since 2004. Its classes span different science disciplines and follow a US-based nationally accredited curriculum. The Hands-On science programme with fun experiments starts for kids as young as 3 years old, while the coding & robotics programme, Robocode, integrates STEAM approaches with both Japanese and US curriculum guidance. ActiveKids also has great camps spanning every school holiday.

Coding for kids aged: 3 to 14 years

ActiveKids, Unit A, 1/F, Nan Sang Building, 86 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 3480 4199, www.activekidshk.com

Blueinno Technology – Extensive long-term coding courses

Blueinno Technology specialises in STEM, robotics, and coding courses for kids aiming to help the youth innovate and excel in today’s world. Blueinno Technology offers weekly in-person and online coding and STEM programmes with an interactive and hands-on environment as well as integrating foundational AI technology. There’s also a course on blockchain technology and cryptocurrency building for advanced learners.

Coding for kids aged: 6 to 13 years

Blueinno Technology, Room 906, 9/F, Summit Insurance Building, 789 Nathan Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 5540 5257, www.blueinnotechnology.com

BSD Education – Hong Kong-based global education provider for coding, game and app development, Python courses and more

BSD Education offers a wide variety of virtual coding and technology classes. After learning the basic concepts, kids are encouraged to create and work on live projects and put their learning into practice. BSD has partnered with many schools all over Hong Kong and offers in-person classes and camps for their students, as well as courses for teachers.

Coding for kids aged: 6 to 12+ years

BSD Education, 13/F Cheong Sun Tower, 118 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 9080 7371, www.bsd.education

Cobo Academy – Coding, Robotics, AI and holiday camps

Recognising that programming will be the language of the future and AI will be needed to solve world problems, Cobo Academy is all about combining coding and robotics. It was started by tech veteran and former Microsoft engineer, Harris Chan, and offers classes for all ages in-person as well as online. It also offers exciting holiday camps.

Coding for kids aged: 4 to 15+ years

Cobo Academy, 6/F, Yam Tze Commercial Building, 23 Thomson Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9816 3905, www.coboacademy.com

Curiosity Kids – Kids science classes and workshops in Hong Kong

Curiosity Kids wants to nurture the natural curiosity of children and help them relate to and understand the science behind everyday occurrences. It also offers science-themed birthday parties and private workshops, online and in-person, for your little Einsteins.

Science classes for kids aged: 24 months to 8 years for in-person classes, 5 to 9 years for online classes

Curiosity Kids, various locations across Hong Kong, www.curiositykidshk.com

Encode – Hong Kong coding school for kids

With two locations serving Hong Kong, Encode specialises in teaching coding and STEM to curious kids. Encode’s programmes are broken up by age with the youngest starting away from screens while using hands-on approaches to teach the basics such as variables, conditioning and looping. Children begin working with iPads in the next age group and continue their technological journey from there. Encode offers regular courses as well as camps at both of their locations.

Coding for kids aged: 3 to 12 years

Encode, G26B, Monterey Place, 23 Tong Chun St, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Encode, 1/F, HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, WhatsApp: 2388 9985, www.encode-world.com

ESF Explore – Building AI and machine learning for kids, video game design with Phaser

Recognising that coding is the language of the future, ESF Explore offers coding classes for both ESF and non-ESF students. From Minecraft and Roblox courses to video game design for older students, the ESF programmes offer exciting coding courses for kids of all ages. ESF is always a good option for holiday camps as well.

Coding for kids aged: 6 to 14 years

ESF Explore, various locations across Hong Kong, www.esf.org.hk

Genius Development – Science-focused projects, computer science, test prep

Following a hands-on learning approach, Genius Development aims to further students’ interest in fundamental sciences like Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Engineering, as well as ICT and Computer Sciences. It believes that its programmes are made in such a way that they help kids to think like real scientists and tech experts.

Science classes for kids aged:: 3 to 15 years

Genius Development, various locations across Hong Kong, www.geniusdevelop.com

Preface – Various coding courses for kids, web development, Python courses, coding boot camps and more

Preface provides personalised, one-on-one coding courses for kids, along with bootcamps and competitions. If you’re struggling to keep up with your kids, you can join the programming for parents courses or the coding camps for adults and corporate organisations. Hong Kong kids learning coding through Preface get the chance to participate in coding projects with international brands, like Warner Music, Facebook and Asia Miles, and have showcased creative ideas at MIT Global Coding Summits in the past.

Coding for kids aged: 4 to 12+ years

Preface, 18/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Preface, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9404 9580, www.preface.ai

RoboCode Academy – Teaching Hong Kong kids robotics, coding and the Internet of Things (IOT)

RoboCode Academy believes that coding skills can be learnt by children as young as 4 years and that they are born with infinite creativity and potential. They are helped by natural logical thinking, an experimenter’s mindset and a desire to be a creator. RoboCode Academy offers regular programmes by age group, as well as monthly projects and holiday camps.

Coding for kids aged: 4 to 12+ years

RoboCode Academy, various locations across Hong Kong, www.robocodeacademy.com

STEM Ex – Focuses on three pillars; robotics and coding; technology and coding and smart city & energy

Using the “Engineering for Kids” program that was pioneered in the United States, STEM Ex offers regular, in-person courses, holiday camps, online learning, and homework tutoring in everything science, tech, coding, AI and machine learning related. STEM ex teaches and uses Python, Apps Inventor, Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, VEX Robotics and more.

Coding for kids aged: 4 to 14+ years

STEM Ex, various locations across Hong Kong, www.hk.stemex.org

Techbob Academy – AI and AR courses with the latest technology and skills

Offering classes both at its centre and around public and private schools in Hong Kong, Techbob dives into the realms of robotics, game coding, electronics, web development and more. It incorporates the newest and top curriculum from the sources and institutes of tech innovation such as Silicon Valley and MIT. It also offer adult technology classes for Industry 4.0.

Coding for kids aged: 3 to 18 years

Techbob Academy, 4/F, KOHO, 73-75 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6218 2306, www.techbob.com

More STEM, Robotics And Coding Classes For Kids And Teens In Hong Kong

Code Kingdoms – Online subscription platform that teaches code through interactive games. www.codekingdoms.com
CodeMonkey – Award-winning online coding and programming for children through games. www.codemonkey.com
Coding 101 – Online and in-person coding classes from Hong Kong Science Park partner company. www.coding101.hk
Futurekids – Computer coding for kids, software applications, Cambridge ICT starters and more. www.futurekids.com.hk
iD Tech – Online coding camps teaching Python, Java, Minecraft, Roblox, Unity, Adobe, 3D modelling and more, idtech.com
Koding Kingdom – In-person coding classes all over Hong Kong, along with online options. www.kodingkingdom.com
SUP Education – STEAM courses and camps for kids aged four and up. www.sup-education.com
Tiny Code – In-home or online private STEM and coding classes tailor-made for your child’s needs. www.tinycode.hk
The Genius Workshop – Aims to make STEM learning more accessible and fun to kids of all ages. www.g-workshop.com
YWCA Centre of Learning and Life Enhancement – STEM, robotics and coding courses, plus summer coding boot camps. www.clle.ywca.org.hk

Editor’s Note:“Kids’ Coding In Hong Kong: Coding Bootcamps, STEM Courses And More” was originally published by Danielle Roberts and most recently updated in June 2024 by Anita Balagopalan.

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Hong Kong At The Paris Olympics 2024: What To Expect This Year

Danielle Roberts — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 22:00:46 +0000

Hong Kong exceeded expectations at the last edition of the Tokyo Olympic Games, and all eyes are now on the Paris Olympics 2024. What are Hong Kong’s best shots at Olympic medals and how can we cheer on our athletes? Here’s everything to know about Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The summer Olympics are nearly upon us and Hong Kong is revving to support its attending athletes. The world’s largest sporting event takes centre stage in Paris this year with over 10,000 athletes competing across 32 different sports. The games run from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024 with the Paralympics following from Wednesday, 28 August to Sunday, 8 September 2024. Tokyo 2020 was one of Hong Kong’s greatest games yet with plenty of excitement around its athletes’ successes and we are all hoping for another round of that in Paris 2024.

This year, Hong Kong has currently snatched up 32 places in the games and 20 places in the Paralympics but there are more to come (we hope!) as slots are still being competed for. If you’re looking for the best way to get your kids excited about the upcoming games, Sassy Mama has the lowdown on its current participating athletes and sports and and where you can watch the Olympics.

Sports In The 2024 Paris Olympics: What’s New & What’s Changed

As with every Olympics, there are always a few sports that change, come or go. This year, the biggest shake-up for Hong Kong was the exclusion of karate meaning that Grace Lau Mo-sheung, who snagged a bronze in the event in Tokyo 2020, is unable to compete. According to Reuters, karate was excluded this year as it apparently lacks entertainment value and won’t bring in a younger viewing audience.

Sports Not Included In The Paris 2024 Olympic Games:

Karate
Softball
Baseball

Though Hong Kong’s Olympic fans will be disappointed, there are however some great new sports that have been added to this year’s games. Some are making their appearance for the first time, while there are a couple of returning sports that have not been included in many other Olympic games.

Sports Returning To The Paris Summer Olympics 2024:

Skateboarding
Surfing
Sport climbing
3×3 Basketball

Changes To Current Olympic Sporting Events:

Men are now included in artistic swimming
13 new weight categories added for boxing
Marathon race walk mixed relay is replacing the men’s 50km race walk

Brand New Sports Debuting At The Paris 2024 Olympic Games:

Breakdancing or breaking
Kayak Cross

Yep, you read that right! Breakdancing is coming to the Olympics and it should prove to be a very entertaining selection in this year’s games. So if you have a kid who loves to shake a leg at home, be sure to encourage them – they could be future Olympic winners!

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) already has plans to step up the promotion of some of these new and returning sports. This well-thought-out plan comes after there was a large surge of interest in fencing, nicknamed the “Ka-long effect” after Cheung Ka-long’s gold medal win in Tokyo in 2020. The LCSD has set aside approximately $9 million under the Sports Subvention Scheme for relevant National Sports Associations (NSA) to promote these new urban sports.

Key Athletes From Hong Kong To Watch During The 2024 Paris Olympics

While the final team selection is yet to be complete, several Hong Kong athletes have already secured their spots. Here are some of the athletes we know about already and who to keep an eye on this year.

Para Badminton: Chan Ho Yuen

Chan Ho Yuen is an Olympic veteran who will be making his seventh return to the Olympic games this year. Chan was Hong Kong’s first paralympic badminton player after he lost his leg in a car accident at the age of 22. Chan snagged a bronze in the Tokyo 2020 games in the men’s singles WH 2 division. Sadly, Chan will be retiring after the completion of the Paris Olympics.

Badminton: Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet

Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet are looking to top their historic run in Tokyo 2020 of which they were just shy of a bronze medal, losing to their Japanese archrivals Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino. This duo are strong contenders for a medal this year.

Other great badminton athletes representing Hong Kong: Lee Cheuk-yiu (men’s singles), Lo Happy Sin-yan (women’s singles), Yeung Nga-ting and Yeung Pui-lam (women’s doubles).

Fencing: Cheung Ka-long

Everyone will be watching Cheung Ka-long this year as Hong Kong erupted with pride over his gold medal win in the men’s individual foil in Tokyo 2020, a first for Hong Kong. Cheung’s win has given him some celebrity status within Hong Kong and many will be cheering him on during these coming games hoping for another gold medal win.

Other great fencing athletes representing Hong Kong: Ho Wai-hang (men’s épée event), Vivian Kong (women’s épée), Daphne Chan (women’s foil).

Gymnastics: Shek Wai-hung

Shek Wai-hung will be representing Hong Kong this year in gymnastics. Shek was the first male to represent Hong Kong in the sport of gymnastics when he first competed in the London 2012 games. Keep an eye out for his vault routine as he most recently won a bronze medal at the World Cup in Cairo this year.

Rowing: Chiu Hin-chun

Chiu just won the gold medal in the Lightweight Men’s Single Sculls event at the World Rowing Cup II in Switzerland at the end of May, the first one ever for Hong Kong. This outstanding achievement makes Chiu someone to watch out this summer.

Sailing: Nicholas Halliday

An ILCA 7 sailor, Nicholas won the Asian Sailing Championships & Asian Continental Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier that was held in Thailand this year. Nicholas is the first Hong Kong sailor to qualify for the Olympics by finishing first in the Olympic qualifications. We’re excited to see what his talents bring to Paris 2024!

Other great sailing athletes representing Hong Kong: Akira Sakai and Russell Alysworth (Regatta sailing yachts).

Swimming: Siobhán Haughey

Siobhán Haughey took Hong Kong by storm during the last Olympics as she became the first Hong Kong swimmer to win an Olympic medal and the first Hong Kong athlete to win two Olympic medals in any sport. She has continued to perform well on the world stage and will be competing in five events at Paris: the women’s 50-metre freestyle, women’s 100-metre freestyle, women’s 200-metre freestyle, women’s 400-metre freestyle, as well as the women’s 4×100-metre medley relay with Stephanie Au, Camille Cheng and Natalie Kan.

Other great swimmers representing Hong Kong:
Ian Ho (men’s 50-metre freestyle), Cindy Cheung (women’s 200-metre backstroke), the team of Tam Hoi-lam, Camille Cheng, Stephanie Au and Li Sum-yiu (4×100 metre freestyle relay) and the team of Natalie Kan, Stephanie Au, Siobhán Haughey and Camille Cheng (4×100 metre medley relay).

Taekwondo: Lo Wai-fung

During the Olympic Games’ Asia qualification round in Shandong this year, Lo won three consecutive games in the 68kg category and he will be making his Olympic debut in Paris. Lo initially failed to make the qualification by placing third but managed to make it into this year’s Olympics after his contender was disqualified. This is the first time that Hong Kong has ever qualified for Taekwondo making it another event worth watching out for.

Table Tennis: Wong Chun-ting

Wong Chun-ting will be heading to Paris to compete in both the men’s singles event as well as in the mixed doubles event with Doo Hoi-kem. This is Wong’s third straight Olympic event and he is hoping to top his Tokyo 2020 performance.

Some Hong Kong and Paris Olympic Facts

Look around you – with every mall in Hong Kong getting into the Olympic fever this summer, you can expect some Olympic-themed quizzes. Make sure your kiddo watches all the Olympic sports they are interested in (fencing or swimming, perhaps?) and let them brush up on their Olympic trivia.

Paris has previously hosted the games in 1900 and 1924.
Hong Kong first competed in the Olympic Games in 1952 in Helsinki.
Hong Kong won its first medal, a gold for sailing, in 1996 in Atlanta.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics saw the city bring in a record number of metals with a total of six.
The Paralympics in 2020 brought in another five medals for the city.
Hong Kong made its debut at the Paralympics in 1972 in Heidelberg though the city has not participated in any Winter Paralympics so far.

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