Henry Shield Relay Race draws 48 teams
November 20 saw the successful staging of the annual Henry Shield Relay Race in the Aberdeen Country Park under clear skies and in perfect running conditions. The weather was just perfect for the 48 participating teams from different formations, with men running four stages and three for women and retired officers, over a 3.7-kilometre steep and twisting course around the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir.
The race was kicked off by New Territories North (NTN) Regional Commander Cheung Siu-wah, Chairman of Police Sports Council, at 2.30 pm amid the cheers of a large number of spectators.
Among the competing Regions, the fastest team in Hong Kong Island Region came from the Regional Headquarters, followed by Central District. Of the combined Kowloon East and Kowloon West region, the fastest team was Emergency Unit Kowloon East, trailed by Yau Tsim District. Of the combined New Territories North (NTN) and South region, Regional Headquarters NTN and Tsuen Wan District captured the first and second places respectively. Of Marine Region and Police Headquarters formations, the first and second places went to Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Marine Outer Waters District.
In individual performances, Chief Inspector Andrew Naylor clocked the fastest time of the day with 11 minutes, six seconds (11'06"), just seven seconds outside the record he set in 2004.
Sergeant Wong Wing-kuen from Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Headquarters showed just how fit he is by capturing the title of men's senior category at 12'08", whilst Senior Police Constable Lee Tak-wai from Crime Headquarters won the fastest leg of men's master category at 13'14". Fastest lady of the day was talented Wong Siu-ping from Tsuen Wan District, who set a new female record at 14'00", chipping 40 seconds from the 2004 record. She also helped the ladies team from TWDIST clinch the second place of the ladies category at 48'22". The champion of the ladies category went to the team from Police College at 45'16".
In the category of retired officers, the fast team was formed by Messrs Ko Fuk-ming, Cheung Chi-ying and Ng Wai-kwan.
PTU and Airport Security Unit (ASU) dominated the men's events as usual. The fastest team of men's senior category came from PTU HQ, whilst that of men's master category from Narcotics Bureau. The ASU team comprising PCs Fong Chi-on, Cheung Chi-hung, Luk Ka-hong and Ching Ying-wai, ranked as the fastest Overall Team at 48'41".
The winners received their trophies from outgoing Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen, Director of Personnel and Training Tang Hau-sing, NTN Regional Commander Cheung Siu-wah, Acting Hong Kong Island Regional Commander John Bicknell and Western District Commander Chiu Wai-yin.
Meanwhile, the Dowman Road Race 2008 will be held on Saturday, January 26, at Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung.
Outgoing Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen is a staunch supporter of the annual race
Female officers cover the whole course in three stages
Runners cover a steep and twisting 3.7-metre course around the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir
Warming up for a tough contest