City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and the CityUHK EMBA Association, in association with the Hong Kong Network for the Promotion of Inclusive Society (HKNPIS), successfully co-organised the first Social Inclusion Charity Run with Pets at the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct in Wan Chai on 17 March 2024. The event included 10-kilometre and 3-kilometre individual races and a family group with pets to allow pet lovers to participate with their furry companions. About 400 participants and their furry companions joined the event, showing support for social inclusion and advocating for a pet-friendly environment in Hong Kong.

Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK, attended the opening ceremony officiated by Mr Ricky Chu Man-kin, Chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Dr Tik Chi-yuen, HKSAR Legislative Council Member, and Mr Lam Wai-pang, Chairman of HKNPIS.

“CityUHK is committed to fostering connections, interaction and collaboration with the local community to bring about positive change for the University and the community,” said Professor Chan.

“Thanks to CityUHK EMBA Association’s connection and sponsorship, we could join HKNPIS to co-organise this meaningful event and provide free quotas to engage more community members.”

To engage more community members in the event, through the connection of the Office of the Vice-President (Community Engagement) and Student Development Services and the sponsorship by the CityUHK EMBA Association, free quotas were arranged for families served by the New Home Association, as well as the students and teachers from special schools. Sixty CityUHK students volunteered to support the event.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our students to experience the true meaning of social inclusion,” said Professor Chan. “As an alumnus, I am glad that CityUHK EMBA Association could collaborate with CityUHK to involve CityUHK students, alumni and staff to contribute to the local community,” said Mr Banny Yu, Chairman of CityUHK EMBA Association. In alignment with CityUHK’s mission to promote One Health and social inclusion, a booth themed “One Health, One Community” was set up in the carnival near the finishing point. Many participants visited the booth to take part in a sports game and take photos at the photo booth after running with their pets.