Laureus Academy members
praise Operation Breakthrough's
rapid development
Laureus World Sports Academy members Edwin Moses, Mark Spitz and Morné Du Plessis have walked the streets of Wong Tai Sin district to get a first hand look at the environment from which children come to attend the Laureus-supported Operation Breakthrough project.
During their visit, they were introduced to Mike Chan, a former triad enforcer, who described his life-changing journey from gangster to Laureus project leader, before acting as a guide through the Wong Tai Sin district to show the Laureus Academy members the poor social conditions, which put young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.
The Laureus Academy members were joined by top local athletes, including Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medal winner Lee Lai-shan, and other dignitaries, at an exhibition later in the day featuring four sports at PSRC. Laureus Academy Chairman Edwin Moses presented a cheque for $143,180 to Operation Breakthrough to help fund their ongoing commitment to helping young children through sport.
Edwin Moses said: "Visiting the Wong Tai Sin district really brought home to us all how easy it is to ignore the factors that can influence young people at an early age and put them at risk of becoming involved in crime. It has been a real eye-opener. Meeting a former triad enforcer who is now involved with the project shows how people can change. It was very dramatic listening to him talking to the youngsters at the project, telling them his story and encouraging them not to make the mistakes he did. This has certainly been one of the most stirring visits I have been on."
One of 39 projects supported worldwide by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Operation Breakthrough addresses at risk youngsters who have either come into contact with the police or who have been identified by schools or social workers. Some are recent immigrants from the Mainland and most come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The project is led by police volunteers in partnership with social workers and, in the case of rugby, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and in the case of soccer by Arsenal FC Soccer Academy. Sport, which includes boxing, football and dance, as well as rugby, is used as a medium to build trust between the youngsters and police officers, provide focus, develop discipline, teach them values and increase their confidence and self-esteem.
There has been little recidivism amongst the youngsters, and the feedback from the social workers and schools has been extremely positive. The project has also established relationships with several businesses which have offered employment opportunities. Support has also been given to some vocational training.
Laureus Academy member and South African rugby legend Morné Du Plessis said: "There are many things we take for granted and to spend time with these young people, who get so much joy and sporting pleasure as a result of their involvement in this programme, was a truly memorable experience. They apply themselves with the passion and attitude that all sportsmen and women around the world recognise, but more importantly they are having fun as well. I would like to congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to make Operation Breakthrough a success."
Mark Spitz, winner of seven swimming Olympic gold medals in Munich in 1972, said: "Last year when I was in Hong Kong we saw children playing rugby. Now in a little more than 12 months the project has expanded into more sports. It was great to see so much positive communication between the leaders and the young people and see the project going from strength to strength. It is a pleasure to be able to come and visit projects like Operation Breakthrough and see the good work Laureus is doing."
Chief Superintendent Ian Seabourne, who heads the Operation Breakthrough directors in Hong Kong, gave credit to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation for the project's rapid development. He commented: "Since we started in 1998, Operation Breakthrough has been growing steadily, but we have had a tremendous development since the first visit from Laureus in 2005. The partnership is very much appreciated and we are proud of the fact that in 12 months we have been able to expand the programme to more sports and therefore more at risk children."
Another big support for Operation Breakthrough
Watching Operation Breakthrough members during a training session
A friendly exchange on the pitch
Meeting the news media in Hong Kong