Weez Walk 2021 Now Open for Registration
- Addressing the Youth Mental Health issue and Alarming Suicide Rates
through Sports Fundraising
- Highlighting the Importance of Conversation between Family and Friends for Youth
- Wong Ho Chung, Hong Kong’s #1 Ranked Trail Runner, Joins as Weez Walk Ambassador
[17 November 2023, Hong Kong] To raise awareness and funds for youth mental health and suicide prevention, Weez Walk 2024 (“the Walk”), has been announced by Weez Project and KELY Support Group (“KELY”, collectively with Weez Project as “Weez Walk Organisers” or “the Organisers”) to highlight the importance of conversation between family and friends for youth mental health, and that we can all “Be the One” to start these conversations.
Now in its fourth year, the Weez Walk Organisers are urging the public of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to join their mission. Through their collective efforts over the past years, more than 1,300 participants have been mobilised, raising HK$ 3 million to fund youth mental health and suicide prevention projects.
The Need to Address Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
In 2022, 70 young people died of suicide in Hong Kong. According to a local study published in 2023, nearly 18% of secondary school students have reported suicidal ideation, and around 8% had made an suicide attempt. These alarming numbers underscore the urgent need for the society to address youth suicide.
It has always been the Organisers’ stand that suicide can indeed be prevented, and it is Weez Walk's philosophy to build an inclusive and resilient community for youth. Since its inception in 2021, it has been firmly committed to fundraising for critical suicide prevention programmes, and creating broader awareness and conversations around youth mental wellbeing. The Walk is a unique opportunity for participants to switch off daily routines, and embrace a nature-filled coastal trail challenge.
Tony Bruno, Co-founder of Weez Project, remarked, “In response to the critical issue of youth suicide, Weez Walk was established with a mission to prevent any more young lives from being lost to this tragedy. By working to raise awareness and foster understanding, we can intervene early and avert potentially devastating outcomes.”
Sky Siu, Executive Director of KELY Support Group, said, “This year, Weez Walk is crafted with a stronger focus on fostering connections among friends and families, providing a platform to start conversations about mental health. The event route has been divided into six thematic stages, each presenting a unique challenge designed to prompt participants to reflect on their mental health experiences and initiate dialogues about them. This design aims to cultivate a culture of self-care and mutual support within our community. Through Weez Walk, we aspire to motivate more families and young people to invest time in bonding together, thereby creating an environment of accomplishment that can stimulate vital discussions on mental health.”
Wong Ho Chung, currently ranked #1 of Hong Kong’s trail runners, is an Ambassador for Weez Walk 2024. Passionate about empowering youth through running, he plans to lead a team of four young people to complete the IN ONE GO Challenge, with preparations beginning in November. He stated, “Serving as the Ambassador for Weez Walk offers me the chance not only to promote a running event, but also to heighten awareness of youth suicide prevention, a pressing issue in our society today."
Weez Walk is widely supported by various sectors. Platinum Sponsor of Weez Walk 2024 is FWD Insurance (“FWD”). IN ONE GO Challenge Sponsor is King & Wood Mallesons, and Stage Sponsors are Allen & Overy, Bank of Montreal and St. James Place Charitable Foundation. Full sponsor list is provided in the appendix.
Paul Tse, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau said, “Caring for our customer’s health and wellbeing has always been a key focus at FWD. Apart from providing innovative mental health-focused insurance and related services, we recognise the importance of promoting mental health in the community. Through our sponsorship of Weez Walk, we strive to raise awareness about the important social issue of youth mental health in Hong Kong.”
What’s New in Weez Walk 2024
Weez Walk 2024 has been designed to be even more friends and family oriented this year with more opportunities for participants to engage in conversations on mental health. Each stage will have its own stage challenge designed to encourage participants to think and talk about their mental health struggles, so that they can also take the chance to care for their own and their friend’s mental health.
Table 1: The Six Stages of Weez Walk 2024
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Theme
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Stage Features
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#1
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Western -
Central to Cyberport
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Discover hidden gems with views of Lantau and Lamma Islands.
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#2
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Southern - Cyberport to Stanley
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Stroll along Hong Kong's picturesque southern district from beaches, temples to the evolving Wong Chuk Hang area on this coastal trail.
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#3
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Reservoir -
Stanley to Dragons Back
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Challenge yourself on this route, featuring stunning countryside, impressive reservoir views and a few uphill climbs.
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#4
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Country Park - Dragons Back to Siu Sai Wan
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Enjoy more of Hong Kong's beaches, green parks and vistas from Collinson Peak as you move from the countryside back to the cityscapes.
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#5
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Industrial -
Siu Sai Wan to Aldridge Bay
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Passing through industrial and residential areas, a secret expressway route, and a New Territories-style village.
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#6
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Urban - Aldridge Bay to Central
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A family-friendly walk showcasing Hong Kong's skyscrapers, iconic harbour, and views of Kowloon.
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As with previous years, participants can choose to complete the route individually or in teams, either in one go or by stages. Those interested in competing for the Best Timing Awards can take part in the Timed Walk/Run using the TRAILME app. All participants are encouraged to strive for the Top Fundraiser title, and corporate participants can compete for the Mountain Mover Award.
The Art of Weez Walk 2024
The key visual and T-shirt design this year, created and sponsored by Tsunami, was inspired by a Weez Wall mural drawn by Japanese artist Taxa, who is based in Hong Kong.The mural’s lotus flower and phoenix symbolise the struggle and rise through hardship, as well as growth, transformation, resilience and rebirth.
Weez Walk 2024 is now open for early bird registration until 30 November 2023 (Thursday). The event period will start on 20 January 2024 (Saturday) and will end on 25 February 2024 (Sunday). Interested parties can continue to register for the event until 18 February 2024 at weezwalk2024.sportsoho.com. | 
