Last month, the Hong Kong Football Club held its annual Sportsman’s Charity Dinner in support of ISF.  430 attendees joined us in the club’s sports hall for a celebration of social impact.

We’re overjoyed to report that we were able to raise over HK $2 million during this year’s Sportsman’s Dinner! ISF is profoundly thankful for the support of generous donors who attended the event.

The Hong Kong Football Club Sports Hall brimming with dinner guests

Proceeds from the dinner will go towards our holistic programme which combines education, sport, nutrition and healthcare to lift disadvantaged and marginalised youth in Phnom Penh out of poverty.  This money will fund not only schooling for hundreds of children; but doctors visits and vaccinations, daily meals, food parcels for student’s families, and vocational training in the coming year.

Specials Guests Daley Thompson & Dr. Craig Challen take the stage at the Sportsman’s Charity Dinner

Inspirational Guest Speakers

This year’s special guests were sports and fitness icons Dr. Craig Challen and Daley Thompson. Dr. Challen gained notoriety as one of the brave divers who saved the Wild Boars soccer team from drowning in Thailand. Daley Thompson is an eight-time gold medalist—including 2 Olympic prizes. Sometimes called the “the greatest all-round athlete [the United Kingdom] has ever produced”.  At 60, he retains his evangelical fervor for fitness at every age.

First up to the stage was Daly Thompson. Hong Kong Rugby Union CEO Robbie McRobbie led the legendary athlete through a discussion of his storied career. Later, champion of child welfare, Australia’s 2019 Man of The Year and veterinary doctor, Criag Challen shared his own riveting story.  Our audience was captivated as the award-winning diver delved into his pulse-pounding tale of a race against time, starvation and rising water levels when rescuing 13 lives from a flooding Thai cave.

Additional help from ISF Volunteers was much appreciated

Between these highlights, the crowd was kept thoroughly entertained by Michael Campion, our dedicated MC for five years running.  Along with being a fantastic keynote speaker, he graciously joined us just days after the birth of his child. His dedication is awe-inspiring and we wish him and his family the best.

Special Thanks

ISF hopes all Sportsman’s Charity Dinner attendees had an incredible evening. We look forward to seeing them all at next year’s dinner.

Micheal Campion, 5-year Sportsman’s Charity Dinner MC

Special thanks to our guests Daley Thompson and Dr. Craig Challen for their entertainment and inspiring words. And of course the Hong Kong Football Club for hosting this remarkable event.