Olympian-turned-singer Fong to swim 35km from Hong Kong to Macau for charity
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Alex Fong Lik-sun, the Hong Kong swimmer who competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics before launching a successful career in pop music and film, is preparing for his most ambitious physical challenge yet. On November 19 at 5am, he will dive into the waters off Peaked Hill on Lantau Island, setting course for Hac Sa Beach in Macau across the Zhujiang River Estuary — a 35-kilometre journey that will take approximately nine hours to complete. His goal is to raise HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) for the InspiringHK Sports Foundation, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs.
Key Points
- Former Olympic swimmer Alex Fong Lik-sun will attempt a 35-kilometre open-water crossing from Peaked Hill on Lantau Island to Hac Sa Beach in Macau on November 19 at 5am
- The charity initiative, named 'Legacy in the Waves', aims to raise HK$10 million for InspiringHK Sports Foundation benefiting disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs
- Fong holds 11 Hong Kong swimming records, including the 200m backstroke and 400m individual medley from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, both standing for 21 years
- The challenge was proposed by his younger brother William Fong Yuen-ming, chairman of the foundation's board, who reminded Fong of his new role as a father
- Fong, who has operated the Hong Kong Swimming Academy since 2018, will face challenges including jellyfish, unpredictable weather, and murky waters with kayakers guiding from the sides
Why It Matters
The swim represents a symbolic journey mirroring the unseen challenges faced by underprivileged youth, with Fong drawing parallels between the murky waters he cannot see through and the obstacles encountered by grassroots children and those with special educational needs. As a high-profile athlete-turned-entertainer, his fundraising effort could bring significant public attention to youth sports development programmes in Hong Kong.
The swim represents a symbolic journey mirroring the unseen challenges faced by underprivileged youth, with Fong drawing parallels between the murky waters he cannot see through and the obstacles encountered by grassroots children and those with special educational needs. As a high-profile athlete-turned-entertainer, his fundraising effort could bring significant public attention to youth sports development programmes in Hong Kong.