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新聞稿                                                                                     2024年12月15日
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香港復康會「無障行者2024」圓滿結束   帕奧金牌得主何宛淇擔任香港復康會大使
推廣通用設計概念   建設關愛共融社會

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由香港復康會舉辦的「無障行者2024」，今日（12月15日）於中環愛丁堡廣場圓滿舉行。作為香港復康會的年度重點社區教育及籌款活動，「無障行者2024」以通用設計為主題，分為無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽及慈善嘉年華兩部分，旨在讓大眾親身體驗殘疾人士及長期病患者的生活挑戰。當日活動吸引逾400位公眾及來自病人自助組織的參加者及義工出席，場面熱鬧。在社會各界鼎力支持下，活動為香港復康會籌得逾100萬元善款，讓更多殘疾人士及長期病患者獲享更優質的復康服務，活出更有尊嚴的豐盛人生。

活動當日以場面盛大的開幕典禮揭開序幕，首先由香港復康會會長郭鍵勳博士BBS，JP致歡迎辭，隨後司儀邀請2024巴黎帕奧金牌得主、香港硬地滾球傷帕運動員何宛淇小姐出場與大家見面，隆重宣佈何宛淇小姐擔任香港復康會大使，並邀請她分享感受。隨後，兩位主禮嘉賓——香港特別行政區政府勞工及福利局副局長何啟明先生JP與平等機會委員會主席林美秀女士分別獲邀到台上致辭，並與郭鍵勳博士合照。在郭鍵勳博士及香港復康會主席陳智軒教授分別致送感謝狀予各贊助機構及支持機構後，無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽的起步儀式緊接舉行，另外兩位主禮嘉賓香港復康會行政總裁梁佩如博士及香港復康會執行委員會委員兼籌募及社會企業委員會主席鄭振輝博士亦獲邀到台上。一眾主禮嘉賓先將手持的放大鏡道具貼上背景板及合照，隨後在司儀指示下，現場所有嘉賓一同高舉及揮動快乾巾，拍下人才濟濟的全場大合照。隨後的鳴槍儀式由何啟明先生JP及林美秀女士一同主持，隨着一聲槍響，司儀宣佈無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽正式開始。

作為活動當日的重頭戲，無障城市追擊「搜」城市定向體驗賽分為「公開組」、「企業組」、「學校組」及「親子組」組別，共吸引100支隊伍參加，總參加人數約400人。參賽隊伍於限定時間內自行策劃路線，並尋找位於城中不同地區的任務點，完成一系列與通用設計和無障礙設計概念相關的任務以獲得分數，在玩樂中了解和學習殘疾人士面對的挑戰，以及創建無障礙環境和通用設計的重要性。

香港復康會會長郭鍵勳博士BBS，JP表示：「今年是香港復康會第七年舉行『無障行者』，透過通用設計主題，希望藉着隊制形式競賽，讓大家親身體驗殘疾人士及長期病患者在日常生活裡面對的困難和挑戰，從而提升公眾對他們生活所需的關注。在此衷心感謝所有贊助商、支持機構、病人互助組織、義工、同事、傳媒機構以及所有參加者的熱心支持，期盼大家透過今日活動與親友分享通用設計概念的『無障礙』訊息，與我們一同建立安全和關愛的共融社會。此外，我亦要感謝巴黎殘疾人奧運會金牌運動員何宛淇小姐在百忙中抽空到現場為我們打氣，並歡迎她成為香港復康會大使，我們熱切期待與她一起推廣共融和無障礙訊息。」

勞工及福利局副局長何啟明先生JP表示：「香港在提升無障礙設施方面較世界其他地方進步許多，但在舊城區仍然有不少進步空間。香港特區政府將致力加強無障礙通道的設施，在去年完成了一些針對改善長者生活的工作，並計劃進一步更新殘疾人士的所需設施。香港特區政府與香港復康會抱持相同願景，通過推行全新的《設計手冊：暢通無阻的通道2008》，期望透過通用設計令社會變得更加舒適，讓更多人士能夠自主生活，希望大家繼續支持香港復康會的工作。」

平等機會委員會主席林美秀女士表示：「作為香港復康會年度的旗艦活動，『無障行者』除了籌款之外，也是極具啟發性的公眾教育活動，深受各界支持和肯定，更成為不同企業和機構建立團隊精神的活動。今年的主題通用設計同樣是平機會近年努力不懈推廣的理念，展望未來，平機會期望能夠繼續與香港復康會並肩同行，一起透過不同項目，向大眾推廣通用設計和無障礙環境，共創一個多元共融和關愛的城市。」

香港復康會大使何宛淇小姐表示：「要推動社會共融，我認為同理心和互相理解十分重要。今日的活動正好讓大家親身感受殘疾人士、長期病患者和有需要的長者在日常生活上遇到的困難，以及它們對生活質素做成的影響。另外，我亦建議大家進一步認識通用設計概念，明白它如何照顧不同年齡、能力和身體狀況等不同群體的需要。」

為了進一步推廣傷健共融的訊息，大會特別安排由長期病患者組成的表演團體心語飛揚及樂隨風合唱團呈獻手語舞和大合唱等精采演出，同時亦安排導師示範一系列適合殘疾人士的活力健康操，為活動錦上添花。在愛丁堡廣場同場舉行的嘉年華更設置17個由病人自助組織主持的「破障共融」遊戲攤位、展覽及慈善義賣攤位，讓公眾人士免費參與，並向他們介紹何謂通用設計，以及通用設計與無障礙設計之間的區別，展示通用設計如何讓所有人都能安全、獨立和有尊嚴地生活。

關於香港復康會（HKSR）
香港復康會於1959年成立，致力為殘疾人士、長期病患者及長者提供全面及個人化的復康及健康管理服務，由跨專業團隊幫助病友及有需要人士重拾健康、重投職場及社會，活得更有尊嚴。該會一直在本港及內地推動多項創新社區復康服務，設有29個服務點，每年服務人次超過170萬，改變無數生命，亦透過研究及倡議工作，推動共融關愛社會。旗下復康巴士為香港最大無障礙運輸車隊。

媒體查詢、安排訪問或索取照片，歡迎致電9779 2407或電郵至 benni@seedland.hk 與Mr. Benni Ho聯絡。

發稿：香港復康會
代行：Seedland International Limited
電話：3583 3100
傳真：3583 1331
網站：www.seedland.hk
電郵：info@seedland.hk

For immediate release                                                     15th December 2024

The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation Barrier Busters 2024 featuring Paralympic Games gold medallist cum HKSR Ambassador Ho Yuen Kei achieves great success in promoting universal design to foster an inclusive community

Online Version: https://public.seedland.hk/press/HKSR/2412-Barrier_Busters/
Press Release and Photos: Click Here

15th December 2024 – Organised by The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR), Barrier Busters 2024 held at Edinburgh Place, Central today achieved great success with overwhelming support from over 400 participants and volunteers from the public and patient self-help organisations. Themed around universal design, the annual educational and fundraising event of HKSR featured a city-orienteering challenge and a carnival, offering participants opportunities to experience the challenges encountered by persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The event has successfully raised a fund of over one million dollars to enhance various rehabilitation services of HKSR, empowering persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses to live with dignity.

The opening ceremony was commenced with a welcome speech by Dr. Joseph Kwok, BBS, JP, President of HKSR, followed by the appearance of Ms Ho Yuen Kei, 2024 Paris Paralympic Games gold medallist for Boccia cum newly appointed HKSR Ambassador. Officiating guests Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Ms Linda Lam, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, were then invited on stage to deliver their speeches, and joined Dr. Joseph Kwok for photos. A presentation ceremony was held in which Dr. Joseph Kwok and Prof. Chetwyn Chan, Chairperson of HKSR, presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors and supporting organisations. The officiating guests were then joined by Dr. Pamela Leung, CEO of HKSR, and Dr. Steve Cheng, member of the Executive Committee and the chairperson of the Fundraising and Social Enterprise Committee of HKSR to host the kick-off ceremony by placing magnifying glass props on the backdrop. All attending guests were then invited to wave their quick-dry towels together for a sensational group photo. Then, Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP and Ms Linda Lam sounded the starting horn to set off the participants for “Barrier-free Explorer” City-orienteering Challenge.

As the highlight of the event, the city-orienteering challenge was attended by 100 teams, comprising around 400 participants. Divided into four categories, namely the “Public Team”, the “Corporate Team”, the “School Team”, and the “Parent-child Team”, the participating teams planned their route within a specified time limit and searched for checkpoints located in different districts to complete the assigned game tasks related to universal design and barrier-free design, earning the highest scores to win. The challenge offered participants a great opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, as well as the importance of implementing universal design in creating a barrier-free society.

Manifesting the vision of building a caring and inclusive community, performing groups formed by persons with disabilities staged a sign language dance and a singing performance, followed by a demonstration of exercises suitable for people with disabilities. At the carnival at Edinburgh Place, over 20 game booths, exhibition booths and charity sales booths were open to public for free. Hosted by patient self-help organisations, these booths showcased the differences between universal design and barrier-free design, and demonstrated how universal design enables all individuals to live safely, independently and with dignity.

Dr. Joseph Kwok, BBS, JP, President of HKSR, remarked, “Embodying the theme of universal design, this year’s event marks the seventh year of HKSR holding the Barrier Busters event. Through the team-based city-orienteering challenge that provides participants a first-hand experience on the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses in their daily lives, we hope to raise public awareness on their needs. May I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporting organisations, patient self-help organisations, volunteers, colleagues, media friends and all participants for their tremendous support, and invite everyone to share the message of creating a barrier-free, safe and inclusive community through universal design with family and friends. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Ho Yuen Kei, a gold medallist at Paris Paralympic Game and Ambassador for HKSR, for supporting us today amidst her hectic schedule. We look forward to working with her to promote social inclusivity and accessibility.”

Mr. Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, remarked, “Hong Kong has made significant progress in improving barrier-free facilities compared to many other places around the world, yet there is still room for improvement in the old districts. Committed to enhancing barrier-free accessibility, the HKSAR Government implemented various measures to improve the quality of life for the elderly last year, and different plans on upgrading barrier-free facilities for persons with disabilities will be rolled out. Sharing the same vision as HKSR, the HKSAR Government hopes to build a better society through the launch of the new “Design Manual: Barrier-free Access 2008”, utilising universal desgin to empower more people to live independently. We appreciate your continuous support for the work of HKSR.”

Ms Linda Lam, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, remarked, “Barrier Busters is not only an annual mega event of HKSR for fundraising but also a widely supported and recognised public educational activity. It provides a great opportunity for companies and organisations to enhance teamwork spirit. In particular, this year’s theme of universal design aligns with the Equal Opportunities Commission’s continuous efforts in promoting the concept in recent years. We look forward to joining hands with HKSR to further educate the public on how universal design contributes to fostering a barrier-free society through different initiatives, with an aim to cultivate an inclusive, diverse and caring community.”

“Empathy and mutual understandings are crucial for building an inclusive community.” Ms Ho Yuen Kei, Ambassador for HKSR, remarked, “Today’s event offers an excellent opportunity for the public to understand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses and the elderly every day, as well as the impacts on their quality of life. I also invite everyone to learn about the concept of universal design, and how it benefits users of different ages, abilities and physical conditions.”

About The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR)
Established in 1959, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services and health management services to individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses and the elderly, assisting those in need to regain health, reintegrate into the job market and society, and enjoy a fulfilling life with dignity. With a team of multi-disciplinary professionals and 29 service units in Hong Kong and Mainland China, HKSR offers various innovative community rehabilitation services, with an annual attendance exceeding 1.7 million. Through research and advocacy efforts, it also works towards promoting a caring and inclusive society. Its “Rehabus” service currently operates the largest fleet of accessible buses in Hong Kong.

For enquiries, arrangement of interviews or photos, please contact Mr. Benni Ho at 9779 2407 or email to benni@seedland.hk.

Distributed by Seedland International Limited on behalf of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation
Tel: 3583 3100
Fax: 3583 1331
Website: www.seedland.hk
Email: info@seedland.hk