Chance to play ball as new sports get smashing cash

There will be more opportunities to play Kin-Ball and pickleball as the government is subsidizing local sports organizations through a pilot scheme on subvention for new sports.

Maria Chan Yim-ting, leisure manager for sports funding at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said that each successful applicant under the pilot scheme, launched in 2021, will be offered a maximum of HK$150,000, or 85 percent of the total eligible expenditure of individual activity, whichever is lower.

In Kin-Ball, three teams with four mixed-gender members need to score more points by catching and controlling a giant ball with a diameter of 1.22 meters before it hits the ground.

If one team fails to catch the ball or commits a foul, the other two teams will earn points.

To win, intelligence, strength and good team work are needed, said Hong Kong Kin-Ball Association executive director Ng Yik-chik.

"Kin-Ball also has three important elements: respect, inclusion and teamwork. Participants can learn how to express their ideas and also how to work and respect each other," Ng added.

Following approval of its funding application, the association organized a free Kin-Ball experience day last month.

It will also promote the sport in schools in the hope that students can learn interpersonal skills.

Pickleball, also supported under the pilot scheme, combines badminton, tennis and table tennis skills.

The sport can be played at a fast or slow momentum, and is suitable for people of different ages, including children and the elderly, said Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China tournament director Ho King-choi.

"Players with disabilities can also play the game in a wheelchair," Ho said.

Following funding approval, the association has launched a foundation certificate course to recruit new players and promote inclusivity.

Chan said the scheme has funded 21 sports organizations, which will hold 330 activities this year and next, and is set to see over 12,000 participants.

A new round of applications for the pilot scheme will kick early next year.