Seven new records were set at the annual Force Swimming Gala held at Kwun Tong Swimming Pool on October 8. As over 100 swimmers competed in 44 events, old records were smashed in Men's Free Style 200m, Men's Breast Stroke 200m, Men's Back Stroke 100m, Men's Free Style 50m Grand Master A, Men's Breast Stroke 50m Senior A, Women's Free Style 50m Senior B and Women's Free Style 50m Master A.

For this year's gala, the Police Swimming Club introduced a new event - Men's and Women's Grand Master B - Retired Officer at age 55 or above - in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles among Force members of different generations.
Following hotly contested events, Police Constable Tu Pui-yee emerged as Women's Individual Overall Champion, while Police Constable (Auxiliary) (PC(A)) Lau Ka-chun captured the Men's Overall Individual Champion title.

Police College was honoured with the Women's Overall Formation Champion Trophy, the Best Supported Formation Trophy and the Best Cheerleader Formation title. Shatin District won the Men's Overall Formation Champion Trophy.

New Territories South Regional Commander Lui Hon-kwok, Eastern District Commander Graham Mitchelmore, Kwun Tong District Commander Barry Smith and Kwun Tong Deputy District Commander Lee Nga-lai were on hand to cheer on the swimmers and present medals to the winners. Police Swimming Club Chairman, Superintendent Ho Ka-fei, thanked the guests and swimmers for supporting the event.

Auxie shines in Swimming Gala

PC (A) Lau Ka-chun from Mong Kok District pulled off impressive victories in the annual Force Swimming Gala, capturing the Men's Overall Individual Champion title and smashing the records of 200m Breast Stroke, 200m Free Style and 100m Back Stroke competitions.

Completing the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force's Special Basic Training Course (SBTC) and winning the Silver Whistle Award this year, the 19-year-old PC (A) Lau is studying accounting and finance for the second year in the University of Hong Kong.

A former member of the Hong Kong Swimming Team, he said swimming had become his lifetime hobby, which makes him feel greatly relieved from the stress of his studies and work.

PC (A) Lau grows up in a police family, his father being a Station Sergeant and his mother being both a former auxiliary and regular police constable. His elder brother is an inspector in the regular police force, while his sister is a mentee of the Police Mentorship Programme 2014/15.

He enjoys his part-time police work and is convinced that a frontline officer not only handles cases, but also helps the public solve their problems. He said the SBTC helps undergraduates get a better understanding of police work, and hopes he would become a member of the Force.