Support for Torch Run urged
The Force motto of "We serve with pride and care" certainly rings true when it comes to helping mentally handicapped people.
Since the inception of the annual "Torch Run" in 1991, the Force has raised millions of dollars for mentally disadvantaged athletes to enable them to participate in local and overseas sporting events.
One senior officer who is the Force's "torch bearer" and well known in the community as an icon for raising funds will again be at the forefront early next month (May 5) to lead the Police contingent in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in Tsim Sha Tsui.
To Assistant Commissioner Information Systems, Mr Peter Halliday, getting a call from "P Wing" once a year requesting him to lead the Force in the two-kilometre run has now become a routine event which he accepts "as a great honour and privilege." He has led the Force contingent for the last five years, and ran as a participant every year before that.
The guest-of-honour at the opening ceremony of this year's run will be Secretary for Security Regina Ip. Director of Personnel and Training, Mr Foo Tsun-kong, will represent the Force at the ceremony.
Speaking to OffBeat about his involvement in the Torch Run, Peter feels that helping the mentally disadvantaged is "one of the more meaningful charitable activities that the Force undertakes".
He said: "I shall never forget visiting Tai Lam (a hospital for severely mentally handicapped children) and people feeling sorry for themselves, for one reason or another, should do likewise. All-of-a-sudden, our problems seem pretty trivial. I'll always remember the staff as well - the warmth and gaiety in their faces as they interacted with the kids. Watching those nurses was like looking at the sun."
"Personally, this experience has become a reality check whenever I come across a problem of my own. I make comparisons and in this way I have come to realise how fortunate we are."
"So that's one reason why I got involved in the Torch Run. The others are that it projects the Force in a positive light, and forces me to get out of bed on that particular Sunday morning!"
Peter said that he derived particular satisfaction from seeing handicapped athletes with medals around their necks on their return from overseas competitions. "I always get a little mist actually," he said.
He urged colleagues to take part in the Torch Run "as it also epitomises the Force's Healthy Lifestyle drive. It's a great day out for the family as well."
As in previous years, each officer raising $400 or above will receive a Torch Run T-shirt. Mr Halliday said: "A lot of people around the Force now have a large collection of yellow Torch Run T-shirts, which is a bit boring! A different colour T-shirt will be good for a change." Souvenirs will also be awarded to the top three fund-raising formations.
Force members may obtain an entry/sponsor form from respective TSROs, Sports Unit of the Personnel Services Branch or at the Hong Kong Special Olympics' website http://www.hkso.org.hk. Please send the completed forms together with the donations (made by crossed cheque payable to "Hong Kong Special Olympics") to CSP PS (Attn: SP CSR PS) by April 23.
For further information, please contact SIP Sports Angela Kwok at 2804-1122.
Final word from Peter: "Friends around the Force, let's have a record-breaking turnout this year! Don't let Fire Services upstage us again!"
'Torch bearer' Peter Halliday