Sports charity gets children moving in day of fun and games, in support of Operation Santa Claus

A large indoor event area on the 88th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building in West Kowloon this week turned into a playground, as a group of children were treated to a fun-filled day organised by a charity and its fundraising partner.

The 24 young beneficiaries of the InspiringHK Sports Foundation, aged between six and 12, played throwing games and zipped around in the spacious rooms, while marvelling at the view from the International Commerce Centre.

Stretching out their little arms and balancing in one-legged postures, the children also had a taste of yoga under the direction of an instructor on Tuesday afternoon.

The high-energy session, hosted by financial services firm Credit Suisse, was capped off with a visit by Santa, who joined the children in celebrating the festive season.

The event was part of a series of initiatives by InspiringHK to empower Hong Kong’s young people through sports, including through training and learning experiences.

Credit Suisse had earlier this year chosen the charity to be the beneficiary of funds raised at its annual holiday party for its Hong Kong staff.

The fundraising drive was carried out in support of Operation Santa Claus, the year-end campaign organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK to help those in need.

It was the 11th time that Credit Suisse had collaborated with the annual appeal.

Carsten Stoehr, Credit Suisse’s Greater China CEO, described Operation Santa Claus as a unique initiative that brought the community closer together.

“The programme allows us to engage very closely with the community,” he said. “Our staff are eager to engage with the community by providing their skills and time as volunteers.”

Stoehr said the partnership with Operation Santa Claus had enabled the group to explore new opportunities of helping people in need, citing InspiringHK’s youth empowerment programmes.

“I see a lot of great things that sports contribute to individuals and society,” he said.

Liza Green, head of Credit Suisse’s corporate citizenship programmes in the Asia-Pacific, said through Operation Santa Claus, her team had struck a relationship with some “amazing” charities.

“We work with them beyond fundraising,” she said.

Green noted the company’s corporate citizenship programmes had focused on young people, giving them the opportunity they needed.

She said she believed young people could develop important skills, such as communications and resilience, through sports activities.