Message from the Chair – Apr 2021

Dear AVOHK Members

The COVID situation in Hong Kong continues to improve with restrictions being relaxed. Probably slower than we would like, but at least heading in the right direction. Vaccinations are the key to giving us all more protection and we are more fortunate than most other countries in that vaccinations are readily available in Hong Kong. I had my 2nd jab a few weeks ago.

The AVOHK AGM will be held on Thursday, 17th June 2021, at Café 8. Given the current level of COVID restrictions it looks like we will be able to physically meet up. Should the situation change, we will advise accordingly. Doors will open at 6.30pm and the meeting will start at 7pm. This year after 5 years in the post of AVOHK Chair I will be standing down in accordance with the AVOHK Constitution. I have some excellent news to announce and that is Elaine Hall will be putting her name forward to stand as the next AVOHK Chair at the AGM. Elaine has spent a number of years on the committee and we thank Elaine for volunteering to stand. Phil Booth also has come to the end of his 5 years as Vice Chair but will still continue to be a member of the committee. I intend to stand as Vice Chair at the AGM and assist Elaine as she transitions into the role as Chair. Official notice of the AGM will be sent out in due course and all Club officers posts do need to be voted in by our members.

AVOHK were well represented at the recent HKAAA 5K road race championships. Just getting entered and to the start line was an achievement in itself. Mark Russell had a great run leading AVOHK home and was 3rd Junior in 16 min 19 sec and 22nd overall. Relatively new member Tse Chun-kuen ran a splendid 17 min 22 sec for 51st overall. Good runs also by Wong Ka-ho, 18 min 28 sec, Vaibhav Bhoovaraham, 18 min 36 sec, and Bradley Chan (just joined last month), 19 min 20 sec. In the ladies, an outstanding run by Charlie Hall who was the first Junior lady home in 18 min 39 sec and 3rd lady overall. Good solid run by Fang Yuk-mui in 22 min 4 sec. There is a report by the athletes themselves in the newsletter giving their own experience of these championships.

The AVOHK Committee have been discussing our plans to host races in 2021/22. Our current plan is to try and put on a 5K series starting in August. What size of field and what arrangements needed is something we are still looking at. For the 2021/22 AVOHK Reservoir Series, provisionally AVOHK would like to kick off with the Aberdeen Reservoir race on Sunday, 26th September. This year after some discussion we have decided to move the Reservoir Series back to Sunday mornings. The committee feel this will be better supported by the running community. Catherine Leonard and Dave Smith have been busily submitting requests to AFCD to host the 2022 AVOHK China Coast Marathon on Sunday, 16th January 2022. Looking good so far. By the next newsletter we hope to have more information about all these Club events.

Any member requiring an AVOHK Club Vest, please contact Phil Booth at clubkit@avohk.org . Phil has plenty of stock in both Men’s and Ladies sizes. Club members are required to wear them for all HKAAA events but that look great in any race. They also make an excellent present for any occasion. A bargain at HKD150.

There is no further news on the recently postponed Hong Kong Masters Athletic Championships, but we are all hoping that Pacers find a suitable date and venue.

In this month’s newsletter, there are no shortage of interesting articles and, in particular, I would like to highlight the recent efforts by former AVOHK Member Jake Smith, who is now based in UK. Ian Polson writes in “Swimming Matters” highlighting the necessity for us all to get vaccinated. The usual contribution from “The Railbird” in “Heard at the Track” and some wonderful news on Yuko Gordon (Hong Kong Olympian) on breaking the M70 UK Marathon age record.

The Club Monthly Social Run will be held on Wednesday, 5th May 2021. Meeting at 7pm outside the Hopewell Centre by HSBC. Current COVID-19 restrictions apply. For further details, contact Frank Riehm at membership@avohk.org. PLEASE DO TRY AND COME ALONG. It is fun.

Stay safe fit and healthy.

Yours in Running

Colin Whittington
Chairman