This summer, young people as well as adults will have a chance to test their stamina and team spirit in a non-stop 36-hour race. Organised by the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong (BGCA), Team Challenge 2005 has been scheduled for July 16 to 17. If you are a newcomer or too busy to prepare for the event, you can join the new eight-hour novice race. Participants will tackle trail walking, canoeing, orienteering, cycling, abseiling, group games and a river journey designed to test their teamwork and problem-solving skills and to help them gain a better understanding of themselves in the face of adversity. Competitors will need to have basic skills in boating, abseiling, map reading and cycling and be able to swim 50 metres. Further training and a one-day test run will be arranged three weeks before the race. Around 150 five-member teams are expected to join the challenge. Each team must include both male and female members. Youth team members must be between 16 and 25 years old, with at least one member aged 18 or above. Anyone aged 26 or above can take part in the open category. Teams will need to raise money for the BGCA. Last year, the organisers were forced to abandon the race due to poor weather conditions and a few non-registered volunteers went missing but were later found. In light of the incident, the organisers have tightened security and safety measures. While the route is still to be confirmed, Jacky Chan Wai-man - spokesperson for the organising committee - encouraged young people to challenge themselves. 'The 36-hour race will be 50-plus kilometres long, while the eight-hour novice race is only 10-15km. I'm sure they can handle it,' she said. 'For those who don't want to compete in the race, they can become supporters who will carry bags and cook for their friends during the race. 'The result is not important. The point is to challenge oneself.' Past competitors and supporters enjoyed the race and improved physically and mentally. 'I learned how to swim and took part in canoeing, abseiling and rock climbing for the first time,' said Suki Pang Sze-kam of Sha Tin Tsung Tsin Secondary School. Curtis Ho Chi-kuen, of Kowloon Technical School, added: 'I used to be quite rude and didn't know how to get along with others. But during the training and the race, I learned how to co-operate with others and be part of the team.' Last year's supporter Winnie Leung Shuk-man, of Tak Nga Secondary School, said she wanted to serve the competitors after others had helped her during the 2003 race. 'Supporters have a tough job. They have to carry heavy stuff and cook outdoors. We should appreciate their effort.' The one-month application period starts on Sunday. For more details, visit http://tc36.bgca.org.hk . A 24-hour hotline (2233 9636) will also be set up.
