Sport as a Solution: An Evening of Film and Discussion
On June 19th, 2024, Fondation de France Asia, co-organised with the Consulate General of France as part of “The Night of Ideas” (La Nuit des Idées), an impactful evening dedicated to exploring the transformative power of sport in addressing social inequalities. The event, held at the Asia Society Centre, fell in conjunction with the Paris 2024 sports events, and was centred on the theme of sport as a vehicle for unity and inclusivity.
The evening commenced with a screening of David Blough’s film, “XXI – A Sport named Solutions,” an immersive documentary showcasing emblematic initiatives that leverage sport for social impact. The film was selected at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, and presented diverse stories from five countries, illustrating how sport can open up new possibilities for the future.
Following the film screening, a dynamic panel discussion took place, addressing the central question: “Is Sport the solution in fostering unity and inclusivity in Hong Kong?” The panel featured three speakers, all beneficiaries of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, joined by Moraine Chan, the APAC Development Manager of the Foundation, who each brought unique perspectives from the realms of sport development charities, sports marketing, and community coaching. James Owen, Partnership Manager of Rugby for Good, an associated charity of Hong Kong China Rugby, contributed insights on the role of established sporting organisations in community impact. Tina Wong, a 25-year veteran in sports marketing and development and co-founder of the social venture SOCIAL S, offered her expertise on leveraging sports-based interventions for social change. Calvin Wong, a retired sport administrator with over 30 years of public and sports administration experience, and a passionate promoter of Nordic Walking in Hong Kong, provided a valuable perspective on grassroots community sports development.
The panellists shared insights on how sports can serve as a preferred avenue to unite diverse communities in Hong Kong, focusing on the synergies between sports, marketing, and community engagement.
The event was successful in highlighting the power of sport as a catalyst for positive social change, emphasising its potential to foster unity and inclusivity in Hong Kong and beyond.
