WELL DUNK! Beijing Exchange 2024

Underprivileged Youths Embark on a Transformative Sports and Cultural Journey to Beijing

For the second consecutive year, InspiringHK Sports Foundation (IHKSports) organised the Beijing Exchange Programme. 30 underprivileged youths from the WELL DUNK! Public Estate Basketball League and Training Programme embarked on an enriching journey to Beijing during the 2024 Easter Holiday (31 Mar – 4 April). In addition to engaging in a friendly basketball match with local Beijing youths and witnessing a live CBA game, the students had the opportunity to visit the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the NBA China offices. Furthermore, they were privileged to receive personal guidance from the esteemed NBA/CBA legend, Stephon Marbury, at THE BOX Youth Energy Center.

 

The second-year programme is jointly funded by Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation. It is also supported by Beijing Overseas Friendship Association, Chaoyang District Overseas Friendship Association and Federation of Hong Kong Beijing Organisations. The 30 participants come from underprivileged backgrounds, comprising 18 boys and 12 girls aged between 13 and 19. Over 60% of them were travelling on a flight for the first time, with only one girl having previously visited Beijing. The programme utilised basketball as a medium and featured a series of visit and exchange activities, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s latest developments in sports, culture, and other fields.

 

Upon their arrival in Beijing, the students first visited the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where they were personally received by Vice President Xu Jicheng. Vice President Xu shared valuable insights on the mission of sports education, greatly benefiting the students.

 

 

Stephon Marbury engaged in a conversation with WELL DUNK! students at THE BOX Youth Energy Centre. Marbury also led the students in performing warm-up exercises and basketball drills. Additionally, he arranged a simulated game where the students enthusiastically participated in, resulting in a thrilling experience.

 

 

Stephon Marbury led the students in performing warm-up exercises and arranged a simulated game for them. After more than an hour, the students were drenched in sweat but filled with a sense of accomplishment. Wong Chun-hei, who plays for the Shek Lei Elites in the WELL DUNK! programme, expressed, “This activity is meaningful as we learned various aspects of basketball, such as Marbury imparting his knowledge of basketball skills and the right mindset.” Following the session with Marbury, the students visited Beijing Ritan High School the next day to participate in a friendly basketball match with local youths. Chen Shidong, a former Beijing Shougang player and current Senior Advisor of the Beijing Basketball Association’s Youth Development Commission, made a special appearance and coached the WELL DUNK! representative team in the friendly match against Ritan High School’s representative team. The male and female teams played two quarters each, with the WELL DUNK! girls’ team emerged victorious with a score of 18:6, while the WELL DUNK! boys’ team fell short with a score of 18:24. Throughout the process, students from both sides thoroughly enjoyed the match and showed mutual respect. After the match, they connected on social media, and the Ritan High School students warmly invited the Hong Kong students to explore the school and learn about their daily lives. Basketball provided a common ground for the young people from both regions and deepened their understanding of one another.

 

WELL DUNK! Students participated in a friendly match against Beijing Ritan High SchoolDuring the subsequent itinerary, the students visited the National Indoor Stadium to watch a CBA game between Beijing Beikong and Jiutai Rural Commercial Bank. They were even given the opportunity to showcase their skills to the audience in one-on-one matchups during the halftime break, creating unforgettable memories for them. Additionally, the students also paid separate visits to Pop Mart and the NBA China office, gaining diverse perspectives and experiencing the vibrancy of Beijing.

WELL DUNK! students watched a live CBA game at the National Indoor Stadium, and were invited to demonstrate their skills during halftime. Through this exchange programme, WELL DUNK! students gained a deeper understanding of basketball and increased awareness of the development in mainland China. Liu Xuyang, a 14-year-old student from Tai Wo Legends in the WELL DUNK! programme, mentioned during a media interview, “I used to think that the NBA was very far away from me. Through this programme, I have come to realise that basketball offers endless opportunities and opportunities, whether it is in mainland China or globally. As a young basketball enthusiast, I will strive even harder to learn and train, pursuing my basketball dreams.”