Organised by The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR), and title-sponsored by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), the “Towngas Presents: Barrier Busters – Barrier-free City Explorer” concluded on 8 March at Edinburgh Place, Central with overwhelming support from the community. This year’s event, themed “Culture, Sports and Tourism for ALL”, attracted more than 1,000 participants and volunteers from the public and patient self-help groups. The annual educational and fundraising initiative combined a spirited city-orienteering challenge with a lively carnival, advocating for barrier-free facilities and inclusion across Hong Kong’s cultural, sports, and tourism landscapes. The event successfully raised over HK$1.2 million, which will go towards supporting HKSR’s comprehensive rehabilitation and health management services – empowering persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses to live fulfilling and dignified lives.

The opening ceremony commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Joseph Kwok, BBS, JP, President of HKSR, followed by speeches from Ms Linda Lam, SBS, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, and Mr. Sammy Kong, General Manager – Commercial & Industrial Marketing & Sales of Towngas. A presentation ceremony then honoured sponsors and partners for their generous contributions. Dr. Joseph Kwok presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors and escort guards, and Dr. Steve Cheng, member of the Executive Committee and the chairperson of the Fundraising and Social Enterprise Committee of HKSR, presented certificates of appreciation to booth sponsors, gift sponsors and supporting organisations.

The kick-off ceremony was officiated by Dr. Joseph Kwok, BBS, JP, Dr. Steve Cheng, Ms Linda Lam, SBS, Mr. Sammy Kong, Ms Carrie Chung, Deputy CEO of HKSR, and Ms Ho Yuen Kei, BBS, HKSR Ambassador. Distinguished guests, including Hon Grace Chan, Legislative Councilor, also joined the group photo capturing the lively spirit of the day.

The event officially began with the sounding of the starting horn by Dr. Joseph Kwok, BBS, JP and Ms Linda Lam, SBS launching the much-anticipated orienteering challenge.

The Barrier-free City Explorer City-orienteering Challenge reached a new milestone this year, drawing 124 teams that comprised around 430 participants, the highest number since its inception. Participants competed under four categories – Public, Corporate, School, and Parent-child Teams – navigating checkpoints across different districts within a set time limit. Along their route, participants completed interactive tasks focusing on universal and barrier-free design concepts, while taking turns to experience mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames when they were traveling to different checkpoints. Through this immersive format, participants developed a deeper understanding of the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses, while fostered empathy and awareness toward creating an inclusive, accessible city for all.

Dr. Joseph Kwok, BBS, JP, President of HKSR, remarked, “This year marks the eighth edition of ‘Barrier Busters – Barrier-free City Explorer’, and we are delighted to see record-breaking participation, with more than 120 teams participating in the orienteering challenge. Under the theme ‘Culture, Sports and Tourism for ALL’, the event offers valuable opportunities for participants to understand and experience the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses, inspiring greater inclusion in our community. We envision a future where everyone – regardless of physical ability or health condition – can enjoy equal access to Hong Kong’s rich cultural, sports, and tourism experiences. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporting organisations, the volunteer team from Fire Services Department who took up the role of escort guards, patient self-help groups, volunteers, colleagues, media friends, and participants for coming together to make this event a great success.”

Ms Linda Lam, SBS, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, remarked, “‘Barrier Busters – Barrier-free City Explorer’ not only provides an excellent platform for companies and organisations to build team spirit, but also serves as a meaningful social education experience. This year’s theme – ‘Culture, Sports and Tourism for ALL’ – carries particular significance. As Hong Kong has hosted many international mega events in recent years, it is important to incorporate accessibility into event planning to meet the needs of different people. In addition to improving the overall well-being of our citizens, this also demonstrates to the world that Hong Kong is a fair, inclusive, and compassionate city. Sharing the same values as HKSR in enhancing accessibility across the city, the Equal Opportunities Commission has been actively promoting the concept of universal design. We will launch the second ‘Universal Design Award Scheme’ this year, encouraging companies to provide facilities that embody universal design principles. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with HKSR to build a truly barrier-free city.”

Mr. Sammy Kong, General Manager – Commercial & Industrial Marketing & Sales of The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) shared that the company was honoured to serve as the title sponsor of the “Barrier Busters – Barrier-free City Explorer” event and said, “Towngas is proud to be part of this meaningful initiative, with 20 of our colleagues joining the City-orienteering Challenge. Reflecting our long-standing commitment to fostering an inclusive society, we continuously strive to provide high-quality, accessible services that meet the needs of persons with disabilities, leveraging our professional expertise and innovative technologies. To help empower persons with disabilities to reintegrate into society, Towngas has also built a diverse and inclusive workplace – by hiring colleagues with disabilities, installing barrier-free facilities across our offices, and organising activities that promote mutual understanding among employees. Moving forward, we will continue to uphold our corporate social responsibility in collaboration with HKSR and the wider community, advancing inclusiveness and equality throughout society.”

Adding to the day’s warm, inclusive atmosphere, performing groups formed by persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses delivered inspiring shows, including wheelchair martial arts demonstrations and sign language dance performances. The programme also featured interactive exercise demonstrations, such as finger exercises and laughter yoga, tailored for people of all abilities. At the bustling carnival, various game, exhibition, and charity sales booths hosted by patient self-help groups opened to the public for free. Through these engaging activities, the event promoted care, respect, and empathy – highlighting the shared goal of building a truly inclusive Hong Kong community.