Reformed drug addicts offered chance at sailing career by crew from Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
- Working with Christian New Life Association, six-member team introduces sport to former offenders and will provide training for those interested
For a group of rehabilitated drug offenders, the dream of sailing off into the sunset could become reality thanks to an invitation from members of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
The Christian New Life Association is working with a crew from the club to introduce the sport of yacht sailing to former addicts and provide training for those interested in building a sailing career.
“When I heard that I could learn to sail a yacht and potentially build a career from it, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to start over,” said Chan Mang-ho, 30, one of more than 20 rehabilitated drug users invited on a sailing trip at Victoria Harbour last week.
Chan, who turned to drugs when he was 18, was arrested for possession in 2017 and given a 15-month probation order. He was then sent to the Christian New Life Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rehabilitation for drug addicts.
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“I regained a clear mind through rehabilitation at the association, which has offered many activities and community work to help me readapt to society,” Chan said.