Table tennis tournament no trouble for novices
Four students at a school for ex-offenders netted personal victories in a table tennis tournament this week.
The pupils, one of whom had never played the sport before joining Christian Zheng Sheng College in Chi Ma Wan, Lantau Island, practised for nine months to take second place in the Tsuen Wan and Islands Secondary Schools Inter-school Table Tennis Competition organised by Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation.
It was the first time the Form Two students had competed in a formal sporting event, pitting themselves against 19 other schools. Each of the students has a troubled background and joined the school on the advice of social workers. The school takes students with a history of drug abuse, violence or anti-social behaviour.
Lam Ming-hin, 14, said the sport had helped him to see new side of himself. 'I often got carried away with my hot temper,' he said. 'I didn't really listen to what others had to say but now I'm learning to open my heart to let in others' opinions.'
Ngai Tin-long, 13, pulled an arm muscle just before the competition but was determined to press on.
'I feel free when I'm playing table tennis as it brings out my innate talents,' Tin-long said.
