27 October 2013

The Community Chest Wheelock Swim for a Million Garnered Strong Support from the Corporate Sector and Disciplinary Forces Raising over HK$4 Million to Benefit the Local Social Welfare Services

"The Community Chest Wheelock Swim for a Million" marks the beginning of an exciting 45th Anniversary of The Community Chest of Hong Kong with a big splash! Ardently supported by Wheelock and Company Limited and The Bank of East Asia, the event attracted approximately 230 representatives from the corporate sector and disciplinary forces who pitched in their efforts for charity today (27 October) in Repulse Bay. Over HK$4 million has been raised for local social welfare services.

Charity Appeal Received an Over-whelming Response

"The enthusiastic response received by this long-awaited event demonstrated the concerted efforts of Hong Kong's community towards this charity sports event. Swimming is an exercise of physique and stamina for all ages. We hope by introducing this meaningful campaign, more people will be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and share their fortune with the needy in Hong Kong," said Mr Douglas C K Woo, Event Organising Committee Chairman.

Starting Ceremony was officiated by Mr Sin Yat-kin, CSDSM, Commissioner of Correctional Services; Mr Chan Chor-kam, Andy, FSDSM, Director of Fire Services; Mr Peh Yun-lu, Simon, SBS, IDSM, Commissioner of ICAC; Mr Chan Kwok-ki, IDSM, Director of Immigration; Dr Simon Kwok, BBS, JP, Campaign Committee Chairman of The Community Chest; Mr Peter Pang, JP, Board Member; Event Organising Committee Chairman Mr Douglas C K Woo and Co-Chairman Mr Adrian M K Li, JP; as well as young idol Mr Alex Fong.

"The Community Chest Wheelock Swim for a Million" was divided into three races:

Community Leaders Help Spread Giving Spirit

he event attracted leaders from all sectors to form 38 relay teams. Corporations participating in the Campaign included Wheelock Properties (Hong Kong), The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, The Bank of East Asia, The Dairy Farm Company Limited, Hongkong Land Limited, Sino Group, Fung Retailing Limited (Fung Kids), Chevalier Group, Shun Hing Group, Tricor Holdings, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, Sun Hung Kai Financial, MTR Corporation, Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC, and many more. Thirteen teams formed by strong swimmers from the Hong Kong Police Force, Correctional Services Department, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Government Flying Service and Immigration Department also participated in the Disciplinary Force Relay Race. 

Twelve industry and community leaders joined in the CEO Race to compete for the champion title. They included Mr Douglas C K Woo, Managing Director of Wheelock and Company Limited and Event Organising Committee Chairman; Mr Adrian M K Li, JP, Deputy Chief Executive of The Bank of East Asia and Event Organising Committee Co-Chairman ; Mr Stephen Ng, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited; Mr James Riley, Group Finance Director of Jardine Matheson Limited; LEGCO Members including Mr Chung Kwok-pan, Felix; Mr Leong Kai-cheong, Kenneth; Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Mr Ng Leung-sing, SBS, JP; and Mr Wu Chi-wai; investment guru Mr Tang Kui; Director of Langdon & Seah Hong Kong Limited Mr Leong Chung-ming, Jimmy as well as Mr Ho Tak-pong, Matthew of Deutsche Bank.

Twelve participants from six families took part in the Two Generation Relay Race. Mr Peter Woo, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited partnered with his son, Event Committee Chairman Mr Douglas C K Woo to compete for the Gold in this Race, passing down an admirable family tradition of charitable giving from generation to generation. 
Mr Lee Ka-chiu, John, PDSM, PMSM, JP, Under Secretary for Security was invited to be the Guest of Honour to present awards to winners of various races. In addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, the Organiser also introduced Fun Awards such as "The Overall Fastest Individual Swimmer for 400M", "The Best Cheering Teams", "The Youngest and Most Senior Swimmers", "The Most on Track Teams", and "The Highest Learning Curve Teams/Individuals". A carnival with an array of game booths was also set up on the Repulse Bay beach for all participants

On behalf of the Chest, the Organising Committee led by Chairman Mr Douglas C K Woo, Co-Chairmen Mr Adrian M K Li, JP, Mr Adam Keswick, and Mr Stanley Sun extended their special gratitude to title sponsor Wheelock and Company Limited, major sponsor The Bank of East Asia, Sponsors of Disciplinary Force Relay Race Bank of China (HK), Dr Simon Kwok, BBS, JP; Mr Peter Pang, JP; Mr Charles Yang, BBS, JP, and Dr Irene Tang; venue sponsor Leisure and Cultural Services Department, food sponsor Gateway Hotel and supporting organisations, namely Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, The Hong Kong Life Saving Society, The Hong Kong Sea School and St John Ambulance Brigade for helping make the event a success.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, our Partner in charity, generously supports The Community Chest in helping to subsidise our administrative costs, enabling 100% of the donations to be allocated to our 156 member social welfare agencies. 

The Community Chest Wheelock Swim for a Million 
Winner List