HONG KONG (SE): On August 15, a special presentation ceremony marked the conclusion of the “Summer Soccer Class.” This programme was a joint initiative of the Society of St Vincent de Paul Central Council of Hong Kong [SSVP-HK] and Pastoral Care for Displaced People [PCDP], and two secondary schools. It was designed to promote social inclusion for young asylum seekers and refugees.
Nine representatives from the two organisers attended, including PCDP coordinator Good Shepherd Sister Corazon Demetillo, Holy Spirit Missionary Sister Ruth Francisca Mulyani, SSVP-HK president Ellis Suen, vice president Sophia Chow, and several school principals. The ceremony honoured 16 participating children.
Each young player received a custom-made souvenir: a specially designed jersey featuring their name and number, setting a joyful tone of dignity and recognition.
During the occasion, Sister Demetillo, coordinator of the PCDP, congratulated the 16 participants, remarking that they looked like professional players in their uniforms. She encouraged the players to be the best versions of themselves by joining school football competitions, expressed gratitude to the coaches, teachers, and student volunteers, and thanked the visiting principals for opening opportunities for the children to join school teams in the future.
The event marked the culmination of a four-session football programme hosted at De La Salle Secondary School, Sheung Shui. Organised with support from SSVP-HK and PCDP, the sessions were led by a coach hired specifically for the programme who was assisted by a physical education teacher and ten student assistants from Tuen Mun Catholic Secondary School.
Throughout the course, the children developed fundamental skills—such as dribbling, ball control, passing, shooting, and positional play—and participated in friendly simulated matches that provided an active alternative to summer isolation.
Following the presentations, the children took to the pitch for their fourth and final session. Despite having endured challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and intense heat over previous weeks, the participants threw themselves into the final games with enthusiasm.
