AYP 65th Anniversary Proudly Presents BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2026 cum Carnival Promoting Youth Development with concerted cross industry efforts

“BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2026” (the challenge) proudly organised and presented by AYP as its 65th anniversary highlight was successfully held on 25 January 2026. Title sponsored by BOC Group Life Insurance Company Limited (BOC Life), this event showcased the exemplar collaboration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), business, and social sectors to promote youth development in Hong Kong. Through collaborative team planning, young participants were equipped with essential skills in strategic thinking and teamwork, nurturing a spirit of courage and resilience within the younger generation.

As a highlight of the Hong Kong Youth Festival and the inaugural event celebrating AYP's 65th anniversary, the Challenge attracted over 1,500 participants, including challengers, volunteers, family members and friends across the age from 6 to 75. This year's event embraced a nostalgic Kowloon theme and the challenge was held the very first time in Kowloon, guiding participants through Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City. As the participants explored the history, culture, and natural beauty of the community, they experienced the charm of "Tourism is Everywhere in Hong Kong". The event successfully raised HK$600,000 for AYP's youth development projects, which will fully support local youth initiatives, reinforcing the mission of promoting holistic youth development through cross-sector collaboration.

This event garnered unwavering support from the HKSAR Government, particularly the Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau, and was recognised as a highlight of the Hong Kong Youth Festival. Three District Offices in Kowloon (Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City) also contributed to its success. The charity race was graced by dignitaries, including Ms. Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs; Mr. Kwok Wing Leung, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Award for Young People; Mr. Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Life; Ms. Grace Yu, MH, Chairperson of the 65th Anniversary Organising Committee of AYP; and Mr. Pang Wing Sang, MH, Vice Chairman of AYP. The officiating guests marked the official launch of the 65th anniversary celebrations with a lighting ceremony, signaled the commencement of the Challenge with the firing of the starting gun.

The Secretary for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs, Ms. Alice Mak, SBS, JP, commented: "Today, I am delighted to gather with all of you here for the ‘BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2026’ – a highlight event of the 2025 youthfest. Through this orienteering event, we hope to inspire young people to set their own direction in life – to explore actively, dare to try, and plan for the future early. Whatever path they choose, just like in today's orienteering challenge, I believe every one of you will gain valuable experiences along the way. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau organises the Youth Festival precisely to encourage young people to develop a positive mindset, team spirit, and a sense of belonging to the community by participating in diverse activities. Together, let us put into practice the slogan of the youthfest – 'Ignite Youth Power'.”

Mr. Kwok Wing Leung, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Award for Young People (AYP), remarked: "AYP has consistently aligned its vision and objectives with the Youth Development Blueprint of the Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau. The BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge represents a key initiative aimed at fostering the holistic development of young people. This competition upholds the tradition of urban orienteering by merging elements from both city and countryside. Participants navigated designated checkpoints throughout streets and alleys, gaining fresh insights into familiar sights they might otherwise overlook, thus reinforcing their sense of belonging and community cohesion. Moreover, the Orienteering Challenge assesses participants' planning abilities, sense of direction, and teamwork, emphasizing judgment and speed. I hope this comprehensive challenge will inspire young people to embrace new challenges, learn from hardships, and enhance their communication skills and collaboration."

Mr. Wilson Tang, Chief Executive of BOC Life, expressed: "We are thrilled to once again be the title sponsor of the BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge. Youth development is at the core of our sustainability focus. By collaborating with the HKSAR Government, the business, and social sectors, we support youth development through diverse activities that promote positive thinking and resilience among young people. The Orienteering Challenge exemplifies a successful cross-sector partnership. Furthermore, BOC Life also achieved new heights in the number of participating teams enrolled for this charity race. We have 110 members from our management, staff, agents and their families formed 30 teams to have joined this meaningful Challenge, raising funds to support  youth development in Hong Kong."

In her remarks, Ms. Grace Yu, MH, Chair of the AYP 65th Anniversary Organising Committee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all societal sectors for their collaboration with AYP, allowing the award program to continuously inspire countless young people in Hong Kong as they grow. She stated: "It is indeed through the trust of the government and our close partners that AYP has been able to support youth for 65 years, establishing a robust foundation for the award program. This year’s theme is ‘Wefinity,’ which combines the ideas of ‘We’ and ‘Infinity.’ We look forward to continued collaboration with all sectors to create limitless opportunities for our youth."

The “BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2026” is a collaborative competition that combines urban and outdoor elements, suitable for participants of all skill levels, including beginners. Unlike traditional orienteering events, this activity encourages young people to step out of the classroom and explore Hong Kong's natural and urban landscapes. This immersive experience fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of their community while facilitating interaction and teamwork with others, broadening their perspectives and social networks. It also provides a means to relieve stress and rejuvenate in both nature and urban environments. This aligns perfectly with AYP's core mission to offer alternative learning opportunities, enabling youth from diverse backgrounds to discover their potential, challenge themselves, and strive for holistic development.

To celebrate AYP’s 65th anniversary, the event features 65 designated checkpoints and introduces the "Cross-generation Companion Cup" to encourage intergenerational teams, as well as a "Best Costume Award" to spark participants' creativity. The post-event "Nostalgic Kowloon" carnival will include nearly 20 interactive booths and 10 exciting performances. AYP hopes to use this platform to empower youth, build their confidence, and promote holistic development. Highlights will include face-changing performances, martial arts, jump rope tricks, and band shows, all complemented by vintage decor and photo opportunities, allowing participants to feel as though they have traveled back in time to experience the charm of old Kowloon. A lucky draw will offer prizes valued at over HKD 80,000, including tablets, with event ambassador Teddy Fan personally attending to cheer on participants and engaging with the audience through fantastic performances, elevating the event’s atmosphere to new heights.

The Orienteering Challenge is organised in a point-based format and must be completed within either 6 hours or 3 hours. It is divided into various categories, each with first, second, and third prizes.

For more details, please visit the BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge webpage: http://ayp.org.hk/youth-development/wild-in-the-city-2026/.
 

The Secretary for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs, Ms. Alice Mak, SBS, JP; Mr. Kwok Wing Leung, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Award for Young People (AYP); Mr. Pang Wing Sang, MH, Vice Chairman; Mr. Wilson Tang, Executive President of Bank of China Life; and Ms. Grace Yu, MH, Chair of the AYP 65th Anniversary Organizing Committee, officiated at the lighting ceremony for the "Bank of China Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2026 | AYP 65th Anniversary Special Presentation."

The officiating guests participated in the gun-sounding ceremony as athletes prepared for the competition.

The first event celebrating AYP’s 65th anniversary, the “BOC Life Wild in the City Orienteering Challenge 2026,” was held this year in Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City, attracting 1,000 sports enthusiasts, with about 70% being young people under the age of 30.

Mr. Pang Wing Sang, MH, Vice Chairman of AYP; Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Corporate Communications Officer of BOC Life; and Ms. Grace Yu, MH, Chair of the AYP 65th Anniversary Organizing Committee, presented the awards.

This year, the event introduced a "Best Costume Award" for participants to showcase their creativity.

The post-event "Nostalgic Kowloon" carnival featured nearly 20 interactive booths and 10 exciting performances, providing a platform for young people to showcase their talents.