HONG KONG, 2 February 2021 -- Leading diversified professional services and investment management firm Colliers International Hong Kong SAR (NASDAQ and TSX: CIGI) today announced that three of its young and inspiring experts will hike the Hong Kong Trail in support of spinal cord injury research.
On 6 February, Niall Rowark, Tom Parker, and Alex Kaihau of Colliers will hike the 50km iconic Trail to help raise awareness and funds for the 'Urban Climb 300M+' campaign. Organised by Ignite Community Services, the Urban Climb 300M+ saw paraplegic rock climber Lai Chi-wai climb the side of a Hong Kong skyscraper using only his upper body strength to raise funds for The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology (HKU O&T).
Nigel Smith, Managing Director | Hong Kong, said: 'I am delighted that the team approached the business with the idea to support the 'Urban Climb 300M+' campaign. It’s such a selfless act and shares their passion for giving back to the community. Since I joined Colliers, my vision has been to create a platform for our people to express themselves and be able to support causes like this, knowing that they have both mine, and the business's full support.
'At Colliers we are passionate, take personal responsibility and always do what's right for our clients, people and communities. Through acts of kindness like this we can lead change for a better future,' added Smith.
Four years ago, paraplegic rock climber Chi-wai summited Lion Rock by using only his upper body strength. Chi-wai was in a car accident which rendered him disabled from the waist down with Lion Rock being where he trained to become the 8th ranked rock climber in the world, 4-time winner of the Asian Rock Climbing Championship, and the first Chinese winner of X-Games (extreme sports). In January this year, Chi-wai challenged himself again to climb a 300-metre skyscraper in the heart of Hong Kong.
Niall Rowark, Senior Manager, Office Services | Hong Kong, commented: 'After hearing of Chi-wai's achievement of scaling a building using only his upper body strength, I felt compelled to do something. As a rugby player that's represented Hong Kong, his story of being an elite athlete and having an injury prevent him from being able to compete at the highest possible level resonated. I couldn't imagine what he's been through and the impact it's had on his personal life; to overcome this adversity and become the driving force he has is truly inspiring.'
Chi-wai decided he would not allow this to stop him from pursuing his dream. Chi-Wai resumed his climbing coaching role and started sharing his real-life story with the public. His contribution to society by motivating others earned him one of Hong Kong's most prestigious awards, the 'Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Hong Kong' in 2014.
Tom Parker, Manager, Valuation & Advisory Services | Hong Kong, added: 'Chi-wai is an inspiration. It would have been very easy for him to give up on his career, but instead he’s tuned the accident into a tool to generate compassion for those in a similar position by raising awareness, money and instilling respect for people with disabilities by promoting a more inclusive society.'
In 2018, the inspiring Lion Rock climb made Chi-wai the first Chinese nominee for the Laureus 'Best Sporting Moment' award, competing alongside world-class tennis players, Roger Federal and Rafael Nadal.
Alex Kaihau, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications | Hong Kong concluded: 'The courage that Chi-wai has demonstrated is incredible. His story has the power to affect real change, and if he can find motivation to selflessly help others, then we need to be doing everything we can to help him carry his message forward. If we can emulate a percentage of what he’s done then completing the Hong Kong Trail is worth it.'
At Colliers, we are passionate about everything we do. As a company, and as individuals, we actively work for the betterment of our people, clients, and communities. To find out more about our policies towards diversity & inclusion, sustainability, and community work, click here.
