Do Exercise Together to Support “Smoke-free Sportswear Day” Strive for a Tobacco-free Hong Kong
2024-05-18
To echo World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) organized a kick-off ceremony cum carnival under the theme of “Smoke-free Evoke, Wellness Spoke” on 18 May (today) in order to call for the public participation in joining “Smoke-free Sportswear Day” on 31 May. It is the fourth consecutive year that COSH has held “Smoke-free Sportswear Day” to encourage the members of the public to dress sporty and take part in sport activities, in particular, smokers were recommended to do exercises to increase the chance of successful quitting.
The ceremony was officiated by Dr The Honorable LAM Ching-choi (Member of the Executive Council of the Government of HKSAR, Chief Executive Officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service), Dr Ronald LAM Man-kin (Director of Health), Hon CHAN Hoi-yan (Chairman, Panel on Health Services, Legislative Council), Mr Henry FAN Hung-ling (Chairman, Hospital Authority), Dr Amy CHIU Pui Yin, (Regulatory Affairs Controller, Department of Health), Prof Kelvin WANG Man-ping (Assistant Dean of Professional Development in Health Sciences; Professor of School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong), Prof Martin WONG Chi-sang (Editor of Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, Professor of JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Mr Henry TONG Sau-chai (COSH Chairman), Dr Johnnie CHAN Chi-kau (COSH Vice-chairman) and Ms Vienna LAI Wai-yin (COSH Executive Director).
Mr Henry TONG Sau-chai, COSH Chairman said, “The theme of WNTD 2024 is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”. Many smokers have overlooked the harmful effects of secondhand and third-hand smoke on non-smokers, especially children. I urge everyone to encourage their family and friends to make the right choice and quit smoking as soon as possible for the sake of their own health and that of the next generation.” He suggested that the Government could consider expanding the statutory no smoking areas, banning all tobacco products with flavours and additives, enhancing the regulation of cigarette packets’ design, as well as exploring the banning on possession of alternative smoking products, and increasing the penalties for contravention of the relevant legislation, so as to expedite the progress of lowering the smoking prevalence.
To create a supportive atmosphere for smoking cessation, Hon CHAN Hoi-yan, Prof Kelvin WANG Man-ping and Prof Martin WONG Chi-sang shared their views on how to achieve a tobacco-free Hong Kong. Former rock climber Ms Lisa CHENG, artist Windy ZHAN and Champion of the 8th “Quit to Win” Contest, Mr CHENG Wai-cheong shared how to protect children from being manipulated by the tobacco industry. They also demonstrated stretching exercises and encouraging non-smokers using sports to accompany with smokers in adapting to the withdrawal symptoms, showcased the benefits of sports and tips on how to quit smoking.
The carnival was held and supported by eight organizations and smoking cessation service providers with the provision of game and exhibition booths to enhance the participant’s awareness on tobacco hazards, smoking cessation and tobacco control. “Smoke-free Sportswear Day” was the highlighted activity under “Smoke-free Evoke, Wellness Spoke” publicity programme. Companies, organizations, non-profit organizations, hospitals and schools have been invited to facilitate their staff, members, teachers and students to participate and support by wearing sportswear and doing exercise on 31 May, with an aim to create a supportive social atmosphere for smoking cessation, leading us to the tobacco-free future. For more information about the “Smoke-free Sportswear Day”, please visit the website at https://exercise.smokefree.hk.
Officiating guests demonstrated a determination of tobacco control and call for public support to protect children from tobacco industry interference.
Guests visited booths to show the support to smoking cessation service partners.
Interesting and informative game booths were set up in carnival in disseminating smoke-free messages which were well-received by the participants.
