Cultivating a habit of exercise from a young age not only benefits children but also becomes a bonding force for the family. Twelve-year-old Ho Chi Yu is about to graduate from the “Jebsen InspiringHK!” Programme’s karate class. She and her younger brother both obtained the nine-level yellow belts this year. Through witnessing their growth beyond karate skills, the siblings have developed self-discipline and perseverance through their practice where they are fully supported by their parents. In addition to sport classes, IHKSports also organises parent-child fundays, providing family bonding opportunities through sports.
Cherishing every opportunity to have family time even during pregnancy
Chi Yu first joined IHKSports programme through fencing in primary five and switched to karate this year. Karate allows her to practise even due to limited space at home and allows her to practise with young brother Chi Hin. Their father jokingly said there used to be lots of quarrel and fighting at home, but since learning karate, the siblings have been less violent as they solve issues through karate techniques.
Chi Yu believes that sport makes her healthier, “stretching and relaxation exercises during warmup have greatly improved my flexibility.” She learned karate for a few months when she was younger, and she said earnestly,
I wanted to learn karate because I wanted to spar with my brother.
Sports hold a significant place in the daily life of the Ho family as they actively participate in parent-child activities and cherish every opportunity to be together. Even during her pregnancy this year, Chi Yu’s mother still accompanied her children to their sports classes and joined in a family run with the third sibling still inside her tummy. “Our whole family participated that day, wearing matching parent-child outfits. Chi Yu and Chi Hin both ran very fast, and we were all very happy!” Chi Yu’s father accompanied his pregnant wife in a leisurely jog, snapping photos of beautiful memories.
No Longer “Attached to Electronic Devices,” Sports encourages Parent-Child Discussion
Chi Yu’s father, who is usually busy with work, strongly feels that sports help build parent-child relationships.
The two siblings are now less focused on playing with their phones. I would share stories about days I used to play soccer and they would tell me interesting things about their karate classes. Without sports we wouldn’t have as many common topics.
Chi Yu’s mother is grateful for the joy and confidence that sports bring to the two siblings. “It affirms their growth, especially when I see how focused Chi Yu has become. Karate has shown me the excellent and focused side of Chi Yu! Life would be much duller without these activities.” After graduating from karate class, Chi Yu hopes to explore different sports.
I have also learned swimming, table tennis, and other sports, hoping to find the area where I excel the most.