Stride for a Cure 2016!
This year, Sha Tin College was asked once again by the Hong Kong Cancer Fund to participate in its 21st annual Stride for a Cure walk-a-thon, which happened on the 18th of December. With a special Christmas twist this year, the sponsored walk aimed to raise funds for vital cancer research programmes, vaccines, and screenings in Hong Kong.
The start/end point of the walk was located at Hong Kong International School, and participants were allowed to choose between the 5 kilometer or 10 kilometer circuits. The walk itself took place across Tai Tam Country Park, where participants could enjoy the scenic routes as well.
The walk, renowned for being a social and self-rewarding event, was brought heaps of Christmas spirit as crowds in red Christmas hats strolled through the Country Park. Each participant was given a special SFAC bundle, which consists of a festive hat, a SFAC booklet, lunch and drinks coupons, and the traditional SFAC t-shirt. The beginning of the walk was marked with an air horn which blasted at 09:00, and all the walkers were welcomed back by 11:00 by a cheery brass band, lively performances, photo booths, and enjoyable yet educational games.
Each student pledged to raise a minimum of HKD 400 prior to the event, and was entitled to raise extra donations on their own accord. Not only did STC continue their 10-year streak of winning the school cup, a staggering amount of HKD 136,189 was also raised in total. An honourable mention goes out to Brayden Chan of 7G1 for raising a huge amount of HKD 11,395 – thank you, and well done!
STC’s 10-year winning streak!
The day was enjoyable for all participants both in and out of Sha Tin College, and the funds were put towards a good cause. Many participants described their experience as both “rewarding” and “enjoyable”, including a member of this year’s Sha Tin College SFAC organisation team, Sabrina Lam of 12D1. “I found that there was a big sense of community as everyone was seeking to achieve the same goal, yet at the same time just have fun” she mused, “Hard work really does pay off!”
“I am incredibly proud of the 167 students who managed to raise a total of HK$136,189 for HK Cancer Fund at the 21st annual SFAC walkathon,” commented Ms. Tandy, the Sha Tin College representative. “For the tenth year running STC has won the School Cup and it is a tradition I hope will continue in the years to come.” She and her team of 17 students worked hard to organise the logistics of the whole event; they ensured that all the forms, cheques and donations were accounted for, as well as assisting the participants prior to and during the event.
Overall, the event was a resounding success thanks to all the hard work from the organisers of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, as well as to the contributions of all participants and sponsors.
Andrian Chan, 12D1
Daniel Rothwell, 12D1
Christy Kwok, 12X1
Photo credits belong to Jack Lloyd and Ms. Tandy
