Hong Kong's para dance duo achieved outstanding success at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, securing three gold and three silver medals over two days of competition.
The team dominated the mixed Latin five-dance event, taking both gold and silver medals. Pair Matthew Yu and Pandora Choi added another gold to their collection, while Susanna So and Angus Lee claimed their third silver medal. The team also won gold in the group performance dance category.
Matthew Yu and Pandora Choi
Matthew Yu and Pandora Choi, who have partnered for just two years, delivered exceptional performances to win two gold medals. "I was very nervous these two days as it's my first time competing in the National Games," Yu said. "Competing at home felt wonderful, and the audience's enthusiasm gave us great encouragement." Choi became emotional during the medal ceremony, stating: "Our three months of intensive training finally paid off. I'm grateful to my partner for going through this challenging journey together."
Susanna So and Angus Lee
Susanna So and Angus Lee earned three silver medals in the competition. "We're very happy and practiced hard for the group performance dance," So said. "I'm thankful to our coach for arranging such a good stage, which I heard was also meant to commemorate Bruce Lee's birthday—I find that very meaningful."
Coach Lok Tin-ki stressed the need for sustained government support: "Continued funding is absolutely necessary! Without the three months of intensive training, their progress would not have been so great." Comparing with other regions where athletes can train eight hours a day compared to Hong Kong's four, Lok noted that while the current support from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is helpful, additional resources are required to compete internationally. He added, "We sometimes eat and chat together as friends, not just as coach and athletes."
The Head of National Games Coordination Office, Yeung Tak-keung praised the event: "The competition ran very smoothly across two days, with 97 athletes participating in nine events. Hong Kong's haul of three golds and three silvers clearly reflects our home advantage."
