Sports legends Edwin Moses, Mark Spitz and Morne Du Plessis praised Hong Kong's Operation Breakthrough project after seeing the poor social conditions which put young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.
The Laureus World Sports Academy members visited Wong Tai Sin district before watching football matches involving young people taking part in the project at the Mongkok Police Recreation Ground.
Laureus Academy chairman Moses presented a cheque for $143,180 to Operation Breakthrough to help fund its ongoing commitment to helping children through sport.
'Visiting the Wong Tai Sin district really brought home to us all how easy it is to ignore the factors that can influence young people at an early age and put them at risk of becoming involved in crime,' said Moses, a two-time Olympic gold medallist who was unbeaten in the 400 metres hurdles for nearly 10 years.
'Meeting a former triad [Mike Chan] who is now involved with the project shows how people can change.
'It was very dramatic listening to him talking to the youngsters involved in the project, telling them his story, and encouraging them not to make the mistakes he did. This has certainly been one of the most stirring visits I have ever been part of.'
