With the summer holidays approaching, how are students planning to make the most of their break? Whether travelling abroad to explore or staying in Hong Kong to rest and recharge, both are excellent choices. However, Primary 6 student Horkos Wong had a different kind of holiday. He planned a passionate graduation trip, launching a charity cycling event around Okinawa to raise funds for Save the Children Hong Kong. Over 10 days, he covered 385 kilometres, overcoming challenges such as a stolen bike, wind and rain, injuries, and getting lost. He not only created unforgettable memories for himself but also raised over HK $20,000 to provide encouragement and practical support to children in need around the world.
Father and Son Team Up for Charity, Supporting Children in Crisis Areas like Gaza and Myanmar
“This is the final year of my primary school life. I originally just wanted to plan an unforgettable graduation trip and challenge myself, so I chose to cycle around the island,” Horkos said. A sudden inspiration struck him: why not make this journey more meaningful? “As a child, I really wanted to use my strength to help other children in need around the world.” Inspired by his school’s annual walkathon, he eventually found Save the Children Hong Kong, an organisation whose philosophy aligned with his own, and planned the Okinawa cycling fundraising campaign.
All funds raised by Horkos will be donated to Save the Children Hong Kong’s Children’s Emergency Fund, which supports children and families in humanitarian crises worldwide. This includes areas affected by the earthquake in Myanmar and the conflict in Gaza, as well as other countries devastated by natural disasters and wars. The fund ensures children receive basic living necessities, medical services, educational opportunities, and the right to play safely.
Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, expressed her deep appreciation for Horkos’s kind act, “The cycling tour is not only an outstanding fundraising feat but also demonstrates the power of children to change the world.” She continued, “Children have a unique perspective on the world and best understand the needs of their peers. As long as we give them enough opportunities and support, their innocent creativity and enthusiasm will surely bring positive changes to this world.”
Riding Through the Night: 50km in the Dark on Day One
With only 11 days of Easter holiday, a round-the-island trip in Taiwan would have been too rushed. Horkos and his father opted for the shorter but still challenging route around Okinawa. It was only during planning that they discovered the full journey was 385 kilometres! With rest days factored in, they needed to cycle 40 to 50 kilometres daily. Although Horkos enjoys swimming, badminton, and rock climbing, the furthest he had ever cycled was just over 10 kilometres. “My legs wouldn’t listen to me!” he exclaimed. With no time to train before final exams, he was sceptical about completing the 10-day journey—but remained optimistic:
“This ‘first time in my life’ will definitely be a precious experience!”
After planning the itinerary, purchasing equipment, and creating their own event banner and team jerseys, the father and son were ready to set off. On the second day of the holiday, they took an early flight to Naha Airport in Okinawa – the starting and finishing point of the ride. Upon arrival, they immediately rented bicycles and officially began their journey.
“We needed to complete 50 kilometres on the first day, and we did start a bit late. It was already dark when we still hadn’t reached the hotel,” his father recalled. At the time, he worried that facing such a daunting challenge on the first day would discourage Horkos and even suggested finding accommodation first. Unexpectedly, his son was not afraid of riding at night and, in the following days, persevered towards his goal every day without complaint.
Days on the Road, Nights on Homework
The Unforgettable Cheers of Locals
On the third day, they encountered heavy rain. The unpredictable island weather, combined with Horkos’s inexperience riding a luggage-loaded bike, caused several falls. For safety, his father adjusted the route. After discussion, they avoided a difficult uphill forest section and instead turned back along a safer path. They eventually reached Cape Hedo, the northernmost point of Okinawa Island. After reaching the halfway mark, Horkos’s confidence grew. He received warm encouragement from locals, and the rental company even sent a support vehicle to accompany them—gestures that made him feel warmth and deeply supported.
Despite the help from all sides, the round-the-island trip was still full of challenges. Long uphill stretches were mentally and physically draining, especially on days seven and eight when fatigue set in.
“I was so tired that I had to rest after riding just a few kilometres.” On top of physical challenge, he had to complete his Easter holiday homework every night after returning to the hotel, a dual challenge of body and mind. Just before reaching the finish line, Horkos faced an unexpected setback when his father’s bicycle was stolen. This incident led to two memorable firsts – riding in a police car and studying for a dictation test at the police station, which awaited him upon returning to school.
Despite the many challenges, Horkos described the journey as a deeply rewarding experience. “It was an emotional journey—I was worried about injuries or not finishing but knowing I could raise funds for Save the Children Hong Kong kept me going,” he shared. Grateful for his father’s unwavering support, nightly leg massages, and the encouragement from his mother and younger brothers back home, Horkos found the strength to persevere. He hopes to continue embracing new challenges and calls on the public to support Save the Children Hong Kong in bringing hope and support to children in need around the world.