“Move ‘n’ Roll Beyond Barrier” Floor Curling Competition Sets World Record for UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of Fostering Inclusiveness Among People of All Ages and Abilities

Organised by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and co-organised by the Floor Curling Association of Hong Kong (FCAHK) and the Hong Kong Playground Association (HKPA), the “Move ‘n’ Roll Beyond Barrier” event drew to a climactic conclusion with the “Floor Curling Fun for All Cup Final” and Closing Ceremony held on 22 October 2022 at the MacPherson Stadium.  As a joint effort to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the URA organised this four-month event to set a world record for one of the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)^[1], and by clocking 9,500 man-times from participating in floor curling, the event accomplished the goal of offering social and inclusive experiences for people of all ages and abilities, adding significance to the celebrations.

Officiating at the closing ceremony were HKSAR Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; URA Managing Director, Ir Wai Chi-sing; FCAHK Chairman, Mr Benny Lui; HKPA Chairman, Mr Sin Yat-kin; Badminton Bronze Medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Mr Daniel Chan; and Official Adjudicator of SDG World Records, Mr Gabriel Chung.

Speaking at the ceremony, URA Managing Director, Ir Wai Chi-sing, said, “The URA worked with different organisations to support the Government’s promotional efforts to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR this year. So far, 19 accredited celebratory activities have been held at the URA's shopping malls and community facilities, and among these is the Move ‘n’ Roll Beyond Barrier event series, the first event to adopt the concept of integrating able-bodied and physically-handicapped competitors.  Through this special and significant celebratory event, different sectors of the community were able to join together to achieve the goal of promoting social inclusiveness for people of all ages and abilities.”

Also at the ceremony, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Michael Wong, said, “We are delighted to have witnessed today the achievement of the SDG World Record in support the UN's SDG of ‘Reduced Inequalities’ to promote social inclusion in the community.  We deeply appreciate the URA’s effort in providing community spaces and facilities for the FCAHK to hold this meaningful event series.”

Launched in July, the “Move ‘n’ Roll Beyond Barrier” event called on all Hong Kong citizens to embrace UN’s SDGs while experiencing floor curling, a healthy activity suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities.  Since the floor curling competition and fun day kicked off in July at Yue Man Square, over 3,000 people across the territory have experienced floor curling activities, and clocking 9,500 floor-curling man-times to set the SDG World Record.

Apart from the free sessions for people from all over town to experience floor curling, the “Move ‘n’ Roll Beyond Barrier” events also included team competitions.  At the “Floor Curling Fun for All Cup Final” held today at the MacPherson Stadium, people of all ages, gender, and physical abilities came together to enjoy the day.  Meanwhile, the competitors formed into 128 teams, with participants from the ages of two, to 98, some of whom with varying degrees of disabilities.  Everyone gave it their all in the games, fully embracing social inclusion while engaging in this healthy activity.  After multiple rounds of play, Choi Yee First Team won the Champion Award at the “Floor Curling Fun for All Cup Final”.