Sporting legends pitch in
at 'Joy Ride Lantau Carnival'
Cycling legend Hung Chung-yam and swimmer turned pop singer Fong Lik-san showed up together in Tung Chung on a fine spring day and caused a commotion amongst a large crowd of fans and local residents. Unbeknown to many, Mr Fong has been a student of Mr Hung in cycling for many years. The duo were officiating guests at the "Joy Ride Lantau Carnival" on April 14, the culmination of a safe cycling campaign organised by Lantau Police District.
Other guests lending their support to the event included Islands District Councillor Wong Fuk-kan, community leaders, and teachers and students from schools on Lantau.
In his welcoming address, Lantau District Commander Frank Kwok referred to the increasing popularity of cycling on Lantau amongst holidaymakers and local residents, drawn by the vast expanse of the country park on Lantau and the relatively light traffic there. However, he pointed out that the road system on Lantau is not particularly "bicycle friendly" and careless cyclists are accident-prone. For this reason, Lantau District has incorporated cycling safety into its Formation Action Plan since last August, initiating a series of safe cycling promotion activities under the "Joy Ride Lantau" project. The "Joy Ride Lantau Carnival" was a key event this year to raise awareness of the concepts of safe cycling.
At the carnival, youngsters had fun in testing their endurance, balance and control in cycling, with the coaching by the event technical advisor. Both Hung and Fong took the microphone to emphasise the importance of cycling safety, with former recounting a bicycle accident in which his son escaped serious injuries with the proper use of a safety helmet. Fong also stressed that cyclists should observe traffic rules and regulations at all times.
Highlights of the carnival included game booths and competitions on safe cycling slogans and poster design. In addition, a short promotional video made by a local school team under the direction of Lantau Police was shown throughout the event. The video will be screened at schools and public areas of housing estates on Lantau.
The carnival concluded with a performance by Police Magazine host Inspector Yu Sum-yee, who is a veteran artistic cycling athlete having won many accolades in international competitions representing Hong Kong. His performance was simply breathtaking, pushing the carnival to a climax and leaving a great impression on everyone.
Lantau
District
Commander Kwok Yam-yung introduces Mr Hung (second left) and
Mr Fong to guests at the carnival