The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) held the award presentation ceremony for Run for Survival 2024. (From the left) Ralph Szeto, Fundraising Committee member of OPCFHK; Francis Cheng, Fundraising Committee member of OPCFHK; Ysanne Chan, Trustee Member of OPCFHK; Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation and Trustee Member of OPCFHK; Judy Chen, Foundation Chair of OPCFHK; Natalie Tong, Artist; Richard Tsang, Trustee Member and Fundraising Committee Chair of OPCFHK; Virginia Wu, Fundraising Committee member of OPCFHK; and Howard Chuk, Foundation Director of OPCFHK.
(Hong Kong, 24 November 2024) Run for Survival 2024, the annual charity run organised by Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) concluded with great success today, attracting over 2500 runners and volunteers. With this year’s theme “Saving Giant Panda’s Habitat Together”, the event was staged at Ocean Park Hong Kong and Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong, allowing participants to enjoy an exciting race experience while promoting the conservation of wild giant pandas and their habitats. The activity received strong support from sponsors, participants and volunteers, and the funds raised will be used to support the Foundation's wildlife conservation projects in Hong Kong and Asia. Since its expansion in 2005, OPCFHK has allocated over HK$112 million to fund 587 research projects on cetaceans, giant pandas, freshwater turtles and many other species.
This year’s Run for Survival garnered tremendous support and participation from various sectors in the community. They also urged the public to join hands in protecting wild giant pandas and other endangered species to combat the ecological crisis.
“The endearing image of giant pandas is beloved worldwide, yet their habitats continue to degrade and fragment due to human activities and other natural factors, posing serious threats to the survival of this precious species in the wild. Capitalising on the city's giant panda fervour, this event not only allows participants to experience the thrill of running but also encourages community efforts to raise awareness of wildlife conservation for giant pandas and other endangered species, “said Judy Chen, Foundation Chair of OPCFHK.
Artist Natalie Tong Sze-wing has been actively supporting environmental conservation efforts. As an animal lover, she is passionate about conserving wild giant pandas. She stated: “Many animal lovers in Hong Kong, like me, hope that animals can live healthily and safely in the wild. We all wish for them to live without threats in the nature. I hope to inspire others with my humble efforts, encouraging everyone to care for wild giant pandas and other endangered animals, and to support different conservation activities, so that our beautiful nature can continue to thrive.”
Run for Survival 2024 featured various race categories, including the 5km individual Timed Challenge, 4km Fitness Run (Individual), 4km Fitness Run (Family) and 1km Panda Run (Family). The route for the 1km Panda Run included five checkpoints, where participants, acting as giant panda conservation heroes, worked together to overcome challenges and protect giant panda habitats. All participants received medals and numerous gifts upon completion.
In addition to the exciting race, the 29th Ocean Park Conservation Day was held concurrently, featuring a wide array of interactive games and workshops, including "Giant Panda Aroma Stone Crafting Workshop". Participants also took part in exclusive guided tours and themed lectures to learn more about the conservation of giant panda and their habitats, joining forces to protect this beloved species!
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