myHK: The Interview!
For the past six years I have been so lucky to spend a part of my Saturdays coaching football to a lovely group of boys with Downs syndrome and Autism. This experience has been a life changing one for me, and some of my best friends who coach alongside me. Over the years I have built a very strong relationship with each of my team members. Arriving at the pitch and seeing them each Saturday brings a massive grin to my face and theirs, with many hugs and high fives to follow. While the players in the programme are all native Hong Kongers, they don’t speak English. However, language is rarely an issue. In fact, most friends that come along to watch the football training are usually quite shocked at how well they do understand our instructions and at how well we pretend to undertand their Cantonese. I thought for my blog this week I would take the opportunity with the help of a friend and translator Shirley Lam, to interview one of the boys. So here it is! My interview with Kin Shing.
Mr.J– Hello Kin Shing. Thank you for letting me interview you today. Let me start by asking you, How old are you?
K.S.- I’m 21 years old. Big high five and a huge smile as the first question is over and the interview has begun.
Mr.J– What’s your favourite day of the week?
K.S.- I like Saturdays because I can play football.
Mr.J– Why do you enjoy playing football?
K.S.- First I love the friendships and second I love the games.
Mr.J-What do you think about your coaches?
K.S.-I’m very comfortable with the coaches. I’ve gotten used to them.
Mr.J– Have you ever met any foreigners besides the coaches?
K.S.-No
Mr.J-What do you think of foreigners?
K.S.-I think they are friendly and happy.
Mr.J-What other activities do you enjoy?
K.S.-I also enjoy dancing and swimming.
Mr.J-What makes you happiest?
K.S.-Playing football.
Mr.J-Where is your dream holiday?
K.S.-I want to go to Zhangjiajie, China because I enjoy riding on buses for a long time and it’s beautiful there.
Mr.J-Do you have a job?
K.S.-Yes, I work at the HK Down Syndrome Centre. I help organize things.
Mr.J-What is your dream job?
K.S.-I want to work in a hotel or hand out leaflets because I really enjoy meeting people.
Mr.J-What do you wish for the people in Hong Kong with Downs syndrome?
K.S.-I wish that they can all play football and meet people from other countries.
Mr.J-Well I want you to know that I feel very lucky to be your friend. Let’s go play some football! Quickly Kin Shing jumped up and we started playing pass.
This interview was a pretty cool experience for me. Typically we communicate through body language and high fives, so it was great to have a conversation with my long time friend. Although I wasnt very surprised by his answers because I’ve seen the joy that he shows when playing with us, it was great to hear that he loves participating in our programme. If you’d like to see a bit more of the programme, you can check outhttp://www.hkdsadragons.com/index.html. Hope you enjoyed hearing about this small but huge part of my life. Have a great week!
Mr. J
The Guest Room 
Loved every word. Your an inspiration Jeff for those of us that stay cooped up in our little world all day/night and never experience anything new and different.
Thank you
You’re too kind as always Christy!;)
Really glad you enjoyed the post!!
Very heartfelt interview! Brought a smile to my face. Thanks Jeff!
Thanks Krista!;)
Really appreciate it!!
Very touching indeed Mr. J.
Thanks Adrien!!
Enjoyed heading to the pitch every week to work with this gang. Glad you’re keeping it going, Jeff (& Matt & others)! Those kids love it so much.
Cheers Pete! Great times!!
Reblogged this on The Guest Room and commented:
3 days away from World Down Syndrome Day and our first annual Drunk Hunt.
Great time to take a look back at my interview with Kin Shing!;)