The Reading Half Marathon, an annual event held in the British town of Reading situated 70 kilometers west of London, attracts thousands of participants, both from local communities and from far and wide. During the latest iteration of this event, held on April 2, a unique chant echoed throughout the crowd – “Ga yau!” This Cantonese phrase, translating to “add oil,” symbolizes encouragement and was vociferously voiced by about 60 participants from Hong Kong, representing the Harbour Sports Club.
Harbour Sports Club is a non-profit organization founded in November 2022 by a group of UK-based Hong Kong friends, including Michael Ng, Nick Tsui, Eric Wong, and Simon Cheng. With the enactment of the British National (Overseas) visa programme, numerous Hong Kong residents relocated to various UK cities, experiencing new environments, languages, and cultures. Recognizing the stressors faced by these new migrants, the founders sought to establish a platform that could foster community and resilience.
Ng, a former civil servant in Hong Kong who moved to the UK to study a Master of Public Policy degree at the University of Oxford, explains that the idea for Harbour Sports Club was born out of a passion for running and the recognized potential for sports to help newcomers de-stress and bond. The name ‘Harbour’ pays homage to Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour, symbolizing a safe haven for those who have journeyed across seas to start anew in the UK.
The Reading Half Marathon was identified as the club’s target event due to the ease of access to running as a sport, requiring minimal equipment. Assistance was sought from Hideo Harry Loasby, a Hong Kong-based running coach, who instantly resonated with the club’s mission and developed an 11-week online training program.
Sport, as Loasby posits, transcends borders and can help build communities that feel like home. Yufi Yip, a member of the club, seconds this sentiment, attributing her impressive performance in the marathon to the systematic, professional training program and the supportive community that Harbour Sports Club fosters.
Following the success of its first major event, the club aims to continue its growth, expanding its range of sports, and potentially running the training program again. Now affiliated with England Athletics, Harbour Sports Club is also launching a one-on-one online coaching program and a wellness initiative featuring weekly yoga classes.
In the heart of the club’s mission lies a drive to promote mental health benefits. Ng, who found solace in running and yoga following a diagnosis of clinical depression, believes that physical activity can help combat mood disorders, particularly during the UK’s winter months when shorter daylight hours can lead to depression.
As Harbour Sports Club builds its community, it aspires to offer a safety net for those facing the inevitable adversity of a significant life change. The club’s influence is a testament to the power of sports in connecting people, uplifting spirits, and fostering resilience, thereby contributing to a cycle of positive improvement.
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