Giving Back, Inspiring the Next Generation—Our True Calling: Teens Calisthenics Workshop in Collaboration with Social Services

Hui desmond
5 hours ago
3 min read

It is another year of collaborating with the Hong Kong Children & Youth Services for our Calisthenics Workshop. In our social service endeavors, we never hold back, aiming to deliver the best possible atmosphere.

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Some Highlights & Summary:

In designing the curriculum, we ensure coverage of (1) Fundamental Movement Awareness and (2) Hands-on Experience, (3) Engaging Interactive Games, and (4) Personal Reflection.

Understanding basic calisthenics movements ensures that we do not lose sight of the core biomechanics of the sport; incorporating games allows participants to grow in a relaxed environment; and personal reflection captures the true purpose of the entire event.

It doesn't need to be emotionally touching every single second. Creating a shared memory on a Sunday, even one they might eventually forget, may be more than enough to steer a youth experiencing confusion and stress back onto their track to keep running forward.

More importantly, this impact is ultimately mutual: they find us through the activity, and we find self-reflection through them. That is the most beautiful aspect of human interaction.

Leading Teens Activities is Always a Dialogue with My Inner Child

Sometimes, I count my past losses and mistakes.

Growing up, my athletic journey lacked a passionate mentor; the inspiring storylines of American sports movies never played out for me. I quit multiple times—football, table tennis, basketball, my dad's pride: Squash—leaving them all unfinished.

Nor did I have a perfect high school experience; I had disappointing public exam results and low exploration beyond academic studies. Even after entering the workforce, I drifted along without much ambition, once standing in the crowd feeling completely swallowed up and buried.

You may have heard the rest of the story: through calisthenics, I found a precious moment that reshaped my view on life, a light that guided me to pick myself back up.

Therefore, every bit of energy and charisma I project now is meant to inspire every young person who comes along, and every advice I share with them is my way of saying goodbye to past regrets.

Giving Back to Society Fuels My Foundation to Share Energy

I also recalled something my high school teacher once said.

During parents day, he shared his perception of me with my mom, saying: "Your son is a very influential person; people are always willing to follow after hearing him speak. This is a gift, a talent that cannot be learned from books. I only hope he stays kind and maintain the principles, because this trait is a double-edged sword—he could just as easily become a figure for bad things. I hope he maintains a pure heart and finds the courage to take on social responsibility in the future. I believe when that day comes, he will know what role he should play to give back to society."

It took me at least Ten Years to fully comprehend those words—from dismissing them, to understanding, to awakening, and finally leading by actions.

We are born with the responsibility to pass down what we have learned; this is our life's calling. As for coaching and sports education, the core focus must always remain on education.

My Duty: Inspiring the Next Generation

Every youth possesses infinite potential to become the next shining star. True gold will always shine, regardless of background or ethnicity.

My past experience in social work gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It made me realize how fortunate I am as a second or third generation mixed-race, benefiting from local identity privileges alongside unique features. Because of this, it is not only culture that needs to be passed on—privilege and luck must be shared as well.

I am deeply grateful that in its fifth year, DAILYCALI connected with Coach Alina, an ethnic minority originally from Nepal who also grew up in Hong Kong. I admire her perseverance, determination, and eagerness to learn. Having her speak from her own life experiences to encourage these teenagers makes the message resonate even more powerfully.

In the final part of the workshop, Alina was given space to share her personal growth, her connection to sports, and her life philosophy with youth from similar ethnic minority backgrounds. In that moment, I saw an inspiration for her community—a role model that teenagers could rely on.

She was shining (ramro cha!).