Portraits of National Sports Association

Interview with the China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union Limited

Mr YU Ka Chi

President

Hong Kong people have embraced nature since they could no longer travel abroad amid COVID-19, igniting their passion for climbing and mountaineering in the territory. As the only regional representative mountaineering organisation in Hong Kong, the China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union Limited (the Union) has been committed to providing systematic training for mountaineering enthusiasts since its establishment in 1984. In addition to strengthening training for local mountaineering athletes to upgrade their skills in line with international standards, the Union has been active in educating members of the public about accurate information on mountaineering, in an effort to embed the sport into their daily lives. In this issue, we have pleasure to invite Mr YU Ka Chi, the President of the Union, to share the story of the Union’s development in Hong Kong.

On sport climbing and mountain craft

Unlike mountaineering, sport climbing is conducted either on natural rock walls or artificial climbing walls by means of using permanent metal anchors affixed to surfaces for support during climbing practice. At present, sport climbing competitions can be categorised as lead climbing, bouldering and speed climbing. Mountain craft generally refers to the safe conduct of hiking and camping activities in mountainous areas.

 

The attractiveness of climbing and mountain craft

There are several merits in sport climbing. First, one can enhance his/her physical strength, calmness of mind and spiritual fitness in an integrated approach. Second, sport climbing, if conducted in a safe manner, can not only strengthen one’ s physical fitness and resilience, but also train his/her ability to balance, flexibility and co-ordination, while fostering self-confidence and determination to overcome difficulties.

Mountain craft allows participants to briefly retreat from the urban hustle, as they enter mountains and forests to breathe fresh air, relax their mind and appreciate the nature’s beauty. Mountain craft activities like hiking and camping are great bonding exercises among family members and friends, bringing great benefits to body and mind. In addition, the participants can increase will power and build up perseverance, while fostering team spirit through mountaineering and hiking.

Establishment of the Union in a move towards professionalism

Established in 1984, the Hong Kong Mountaineering Union merged with the Hong Kong Sport Climbing Union in July 2010 to form the sole regional representative organisation for mountaineering in Hong Kong. Following the implementation of a new management structure and a tiered administrative and technical framework to strive for professional corporate governance, the organisation was officially renamed as the China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union Limited in January 2012.

With 167 member organisations, and training and district teams of 43 in total, the Union specialises in five disciplines, namely sport climbing, rock climbing, mountain craft, snow and ice climbing, as well as roping, each of which is under management, co-ordination, planning and development of its respective dedicated committee.

Active promotion in sharing with the public

The Union organises regular training courses for each of the above disciplines in promotion of mountaineering, while drafting course outlines and guidelines to help affiliates standardise and conduct their training courses in a safer manner. In addition, the Union organises mountaineering workshops, fora and seminars for exchange of views and experience among affiliates.

Under the continued support of the HKSAR Government and the LCSD, there has been a notable development of the Union over the years. The LCSD has provided subsidies and venues for the Union to launch publicity and promotion campaigns, as well as to organise trainings for young athletes, community sports clubs, training teams and staff members, etc. Moreover, sport climbing and mountain craft fun days and training courses have been held across districts from time to time.

Given mountain craft activities have become increasingly popular among members of the public in recent years, the Union is making a preparation for a series of promotion events, such as producing publicity leaflets and video clips, in an effort to instil the public with accurate information on mountaineering. On another front, the Union organises various regular climbing and mountaineering training courses, in a bid to enhance the public experience and enjoyment of climbing with the aid of proper equipment and technology in a safe and systematic manner.

Nurturing of talents in quest for Olympic qualifications

On climbing, the Union completed a study on the training structure of competitive climbing in early 2021. As COVID-19 gradually recedes, a new competitive climbing training certificate course will be launched in enhanced promotion of competitive climbing, in an effort to improve the overall training quality and to nurture more promising young athletes for selection into the Hong Kong Team. The younger cohorts will participate in various international competitions, aspiring to seek the 2024 Olympic qualifications. In the past few years, under the support of the Arts and Sport Development Fund, the Union has successfully hosted the Asian Cup, a major international event, on several occasions, in which national teams have been invited to attend, providing a golden opportunity for the participants across Asian countries and cities to exchange and accumulate experience among one another.

Upon debut as a medal event in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, sport climbing was again included as an official event in the 2024 Paris Olympics, a testimony to the traction it gained across the globe. As in the past, the Union will step up its publicity effort to augment public understanding and awareness of climbing with the ultimate aim of developing it into a sport for all.