On February 17, a five-day football exchange program titled "Crossing Mountains and Seas, Bonding Through Football" brought together youth teams from Tibet and Hong Kong. The event, jointly organized by the Samaranch Foundation for Sports Development and the China Hong Kong Sports Alliance, with support from the Tibet Autonomous Region Sports Bureau, Bauhinia Magazine, and Tibet 5100 Education Development Fund, saw participation from the SY Public Welfare Foundation as a special invitee.
The initiative aimed to promote cultural and athletic exchanges between Tibetan and Hong Kong youth, encouraging sports participation while fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and national pride. By strengthening the sense of a shared Chinese national identity, the program supports the holistic development of young athletes from both regions.
In a video address at the opening ceremony, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Vice President of the International Olympic Committee and founder of the Samaranch Foundation, emphasized sports’ unifying power: "The Olympic movement connects people across cultures and societies. Beyond excellence, sports teach fairness and friendship—values I hope all participants carry forward from this rare exchange."
On February 18, a 21-member Tibetan delegation—including U16 players, coaches, and officials led by Yao Yonggang (Director of Competitive Sports, Tibet Sports Bureau) and Chime Tsom (Deputy Office Director)—visited the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA). The HKFA warmly welcomed the group, facilitating discussions on youth training methodologies and competitive development.
Later that evening, an electrifying friendly match unfolded at Sai Sha GO PARK, where the Tibetan youth team faced off against Hong Kong’s Eastern Athletic Association. Despite adapting to Hong Kong’s lower altitude (which caused mild "oxygen intoxication" symptoms), the Tibetan players delivered a spirited performance. The match ended 6-2, with both teams celebrating their camaraderie through handshakes and group photos.
西藏青少年足球队的队员们表示，由于海拔落差，他们从高原来到香港后出现了醉氧反应，影响了他们比赛的状态。然而，这些不适并没有影响他们的心情，反而让他们更加沉浸在比赛带来的兴奋与陶醉之中。
The SY Public Welfare Foundation gifted commemorative souvenirs to the Tibetan team, underscoring its commitment to youth development. "This match was more than a game—it wove an invisible thread of friendship," noted a foundation representative. SY holding’s recent partnership with Tibet Water Resources will further amplify collaborative efforts in education and healthcare, safeguarding the well-being of plateau-region children.
As the first large-scale football exchange between Tibetan and Hong Kong youth, the event highlighted sports’ role in strengthening national unity. By providing a platform for cultural and athletic dialogue, it planted seeds for lasting connections.
Continued sports and cultural exchanges promise to deepen bonds between the regions, reinforcing a shared national identity while infusing new vitality into China’s unity and prosperity.
