The 2024 Paris Olympics, garnered global attention, with both national and Hong Kong, China Olympic delegations achieving remarkable success and sparking a sports craze. Among the enthusiastic sports lovers in Hong Kong Customs, one officer had the unique opportunity to serve as a volunteer at the Games.
■ Pictured are Customs Officer Ms Lin Po-heung, a former Hong Kong female fencer (first left); Assistant Superintendent Mr Tse Hong, a volunteer for the 2024 Paris Olympics (second left); Customs Officer Mr Wong Chin-to, a former Hong Kong male indoor artistic cycling player and coach (second right); and Senior Inspector Ms Lo Wing-yan, an active softball umpire (first right).
Olympic Volunteer Experience
Assistant Superintendent Mr Tse Hong, a sports enthusiast and French speaker, was selected as one of 9,000 overseas volunteers from 300,000 applicants for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This unforgettable experience allowed him to embrace various challenges alongside fellow volunteers while gaining insights from athletes and others. Tse shared good stories about Hong Kong and truly embodied the Olympic volunteer motto: "The more you give, the more you receive". He found that his contribution paled in comparison to the personal growth and broadened worldview he gained through volunteering.
■ “The Olympics was a very special experience. It was not only a competition but also a carnival for volunteers. It was a precious opportunity for worldwide volunteers to come together. They were all very friendly and we had mutual exchange in the Olympic Village.”－Tse Hong
Two-time Fencing Olympian Joins Customs, Embodying Perseverance
Hong Kong Fencing Team made history by winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics. Ms Lin Po-heung, a former fencing Olympian, expressed her excitement and pride in the team's remarkable achievements. Having overcome adversities and injuries, Lin competed in two consecutive Olympics, cherishing the opportunity to pursue her dreams and meet elite athletes. Now retired from fencing, she has brought her resilient spirit to her role as a Customs Officer at the Ports and Maritime Command, ready to face new challenges.
■ “Competing alongside teammates at the Olympic Games is an unforgettable experience.”－ Lin Po-heung
Retired Softball Athlete Fosters Growth in the Sport
Senior Inspector Ms Lo Wing-yan began her softball journey in junior school and went on to represent the Hong Kong, China Softball Team for 15 years. For her, softball is more than just sport; it's part of her life. Even after retirement, Lo remains dedicated to the sport, serving as a qualified umpire in local and international softball games while promoting its development. With the growth of sports in Hong Kong, she is optimistic that softball will gain popularity and potentially become an Olympic sport.
■ Ms Lo Wing-yan (centre) served as the umpire for softball at the 2014 and 2018 Asian Games and is the Umpire-In-Chief of the Hong Kong China Softball Association.
An Olympic Dream
Former indoor artistic cycling athlete and now Customs Officer Mr Wong Chin-to has dedicated his retirement to coaching, fueled by his dream of making the sport an Olympic event. He aims to popularize this sport in Hong Kong, starting with primary schools and increasing local performances. Wong is committed to promoting and educating others about the sport internationally, willing to invest his spare time to help realize his Olympic dream.
■ Indoor artistic cycling coach and Customs Officer Mr Wong Chin-to hopes to see this sport become an Olympic event in the future.
