The TWGHs "iRun" – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon is an annual event that champions social inclusion and active community engagement through sports. Supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (“TWGHs”), the event took place at the Central and Western District Promenade and Lung Wo Road on 14 January 2024.
Since 2012, the CARE Volunteer has been a steadfast supporter of iRun, aiming to encourage individuals with varying age ranges to embrace physical activity. This year, 25 volunteers were paired with intellectually disabled individuals from TWGHs Ho Yuk Ching Workshop for the 3 km race. Through these partnerships, the volunteers actively fostered social inclusion, enabling participants to experience the joy of running and fostering a sense of belonging. To strengthen these bonds, pre-race training sessions were organised to ensure collaborative experience for all involved.
Additionally, around 40 CARE Volunteers provided on-site support and logistics assistance during the event. Their presence was instrumental in ensuring the seamless execution of the event, contributing to its overall success of the race and the ceremony.
The volunteer engagement at the iRun marathon not only benefitted the participants but also provided a transformative experience for the volunteers themselves. By actively promoting social inclusion, volunteers gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering empathy and compassion.