Over 1,300 Participants join the Lingnan University Fundraising Walkathon

The annual “Walking with Lingnanians” Fundraising Walkathon organised by Lingnan University was held today (23 October) with over 1,300 participants and about HK$3 million being raised in support of the University’s “First Generation University Education Fund”.

The event was honoured by the presence of Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare as the officiating guest.  Participants, including students, alumni, teachers, staff and friends of Lingnan University, started the walk from the Peak Road Garden, along the Harlech Road and Lugard Road and proceeded to the Peak Tower under a festive atmosphere.

In his address at the Kick-off Ceremony, Mr Cheung said “The Government attaches great importance to youth development and strives to provide ample and diverse chances for young people to pursue further studies and training, better equip themselves and broaden their horizons.  The liberal arts education at Lingnan University aims to instil a sense of civic duty in their students. Apart from equipping them with skills, competences and sensibilities to pursue their goals in a rapidly changing social, cultural and economic environment, the university is also devoted to nurture the students with commitment to serve the community. We are sharing a common goal in this sense.”

In his welcoming remark, Mr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, Council Chairman of Lingnan University expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr Cheung for joining the event as officiating guest, and to Lingnanians and friends of the University for their unfailing support and participation.  He also added that the University will start to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lingnan University’s establishment in Hong Kong and 130th anniversary of its inauguration in Guangzhou starting from fall 2017.  He invited all the participants to join the celebrating events with the University to share the memorable moment.

President Leonard K Cheng pointed out in his address that the past few years witnessed Lingnan University making remarkable progress in advancing the goals of liberal arts education. “According to the results of the QS University Rankings: Asia 2016 announced this year, Lingnan’s ranking surged by 33 places. This is another recognition and affirmation of the University’s excellence in liberal arts education after it was named one of the ‘Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges in Asia’ by Forbes in 2015,” said President Cheng.

The Walkathon is supported by the Major Sponsor Lingnan University Alumni Association (Hong Kong); Diamond Sponsors Bright Future Charitable Foundation, Mr Chau Chit and Dr Patrick Lee Wan-keung; Gold Sponsors Chung Kiu Investment Holdings Ltd, Mr Ben Fok on behalf of Fok Ying Tung Foundation, Mingxi Charity Foundation Association, Shui On Group, Sogo Hong Kong Company Limited, Swire Pacific Limited, Ms Hermia Sze and Wong Hoo Chuen Charitable Foundation; and Supporting Organisations Four Seas Group, Sunwa Marketing Co Ltd and Whealthfields Lohmann (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Awards were presented to top individual and team fundraisers as well as the team with the largest number of participants, with details as follows:

Top Fundraiser Awards for Individuals
Champion: Mr Michael Ngai Ming-tak
First Runner-up:  Prof Albert Ip Yuk-keung
Second Runner-up: Dr Robin Chan Yau-hing, Mr Chau How-chen and Dr Allan Zeman 

Top Fundraiser Awards for Teams
Champion: The Elementary Charitable Foundation and Tai Tsuen Enterprises Limited
First Runner-up: Lingnan Kindergarten, Day Nursery
Second Runner-up: Lingnan Dr Chung Wing Kwong Memorial Secondary School 

Awards for Teams with the Highest Number of Participants
Champion: Lingnan Secondary School
First Runner-up: Lingnan Hang Yee Secondary Memorial School
Second Runner-up: Lingnan Dr Chung Wing Kwong Memorial Secondary School