First of all, today is the thirteenth day of the Lunar New Year. I would like to extend my best wishes to all the guests, school supervisors, school board members, elders, parents, faculty and staff and students for a prosperous and healthy New Year!

The 42nd Track and Field Games of Cheng Chi Chung Secondary School in Hang Hau District, Sai Kung, New Territories, are coming to a close. First of all, I would like to thank the school supervisor, the board members of various legal organizations, and all the elders and fellow villagers for taking the time to attend and support us. It was a very warm occasion, even though the weather was still a bit chilly.

We are grateful to the officiating guest, Ms. Wong Cho-hei, representative of the Hong Kong Women's Softball Team, for her words of encouragement to the students. Her words helped them understand the qualities a professional athlete strives for, which are precisely the direction young people in secondary school should be learning from, and are truly worthy of emulation. Ms. Wong's presence added considerable luster to this year's Land Sports Games.

I would like to express my special gratitude to the school's physical education department. The physical education teachers, after more than two years apart and with the postponement of the event at the beginning of this academic year due to the pandemic, seized the opportunity and were determined to make this year's Track and Field Games a success as the government gradually relaxed its epidemic prevention measures. In particular, they hoped to allow Form Six students to participate as soon as possible. Their professionalism in physical education and their commitment to the educational mission of valuing students are truly admirable.

These past two days, I've seen teachers who usually teach different subjects in the classroom put down their textbooks and pick up various equipment to serve as referees for different track and field events alongside students and staff, ensuring that the competitions are conducted safely and in accordance with regulations. Although teachers are used to standing while lecturing in their classrooms, standing and working on the outdoor sports field is a different kind of hard work! I express my deepest gratitude for the sweat and dedication of the teachers and staff!

I want to thank all the parents who took time out of their busy schedules, or even holidays, to attend this sports meet today, including the parent committee members of our school's Parent-Teacher Association. Your enthusiastic response and active participation—with over a hundred parents registering—has truly delighted the school. We feel your support for Cheng Kee and your love and care for your children! Isn't it very different to be able to personally witness your children, classmates, and teachers interacting with each other compared to the online learning we've seen on screen for the past two years? I believe everyone supports the school's resumption of full-day in-person classes in early January, which is a wonderful thing. Let's forget what's behind and strive for what's ahead, so that your dear children, our lively and energetic classmates, can rediscover the joy of learning on Cheng Kee's beautiful and verdant campus!

I would like to thank our friends from the district who took the time to attend today. First and foremost, Mr. Mui, Chairman of the Sai Kung District Parents and Teachers Association Federation. I believe that after experiencing the warm and welcoming atmosphere among our teachers, students, and alumni, Mr. Mui will understand why our school, founded in 1979, has stood strong in this district and has been beloved by parents over the years. Thank you to Sergeant Chow of the Wong Tai Sin Police District Community Relations Unit, Sergeant Lam of the Junior Police Call, Ms. Wong, Liaison Officer of the Sai Kung District Office, members of the Sai Kung Rural Committee and Hang Hau Rural Committee, and representatives from various villages. Your support for Cheng Chi Secondary School in Hang Hau District, Sai Kung, New Territories, is the greatest driving force behind the school's continued commitment to providing quality education to students throughout the district!

Since 1979, Cheng Kee University has nurtured generations of young people, helping them find their aspirations and serve Hong Kong after graduation. Many alumni take advantage of the annual Track and Field Games to return to campus, visit their teachers, see the youthful energy of their younger schoolmates, and reminisce about their wonderful time at Cheng Kee. Dear alumni present, the principal thanks you for attending today. I invite you to come back to Cheng Kee more often, because your nod, a simple greeting, a small gift, or a token of your appreciation is the greatest motivation for teachers to remain steadfast in their duties and true to their educational mission!

The smooth running of the two-day track and field meet was made possible by the hard work and cooperation of the manager and staff of the Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground. On behalf of Cheng Chi Middle School, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the venue staff! I would also like to thank our school's professional coaches, alumni of the long-distance running team, coaches, and assistant coaches for their silent dedication in assisting the smooth running of the events; and our St. John Ambulance Team and Scout team for their diligent work in ensuring the safety of the participants and the orderly conduct of the event. I am truly grateful!

I would also like to express my special thanks to the school discipline teachers and student leaders for their assistance in helping all students enter and leave the venue smoothly. They also cooperated in different positions during the competition to ensure the smooth running of the two-day competition. Their contributions are truly invaluable!

Finally, I would like to thank all the students of Zhengji present here. Whether you were cheering for your classmates in the stands, working in different positions, or doing your best on the track and in the competition venue, your serious preparation before the competition and your dedication over the past two days have made a difference. Judging from the smiles on the faces of the students I met, I believe that these two days of the Land Games have been an unforgettable learning experience for everyone!

The most unforgettable moment was for the students who broke the conference record this year. Congratulations to you all!

Indeed, one minute on stage requires ten years of practice off stage! Dear athletes, the Land and Sea Games a year from now will be a great opportunity for you to showcase your skills again. Please make the most of every physical education class or extracurricular training session and practice diligently. If you apply this spirit of perseverance and never giving up to your daily academic studies, you will surely make progress and achieve your desired results.

Thank God for the good weather we have had these past two days, and for keeping everyone safe and sound!

We look forward to seeing you all again at the 43rd Sai Kung Hang Hau District Cheng Chi Chung Secondary School Track and Field Meet next year! Thank you!

Principal Li Chi Lam

February 3, 2023