Olympian City 2｜YMCA 'Basketball with You' 125th Anniversary Carnival 5.23 - 25 Lands in OH! Kid Zone! Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Founding of the Hong Kong Chinese Christian Youth Association, Retracing the Origins of Basketball in Ho

Description

Basketball is all the rage in the city, and the first indoor basketball court in Hong Kong was built by the Hong Kong Chinese Christian Youth Association (HKCCYA, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong) in 1918! To celebrate its 125th anniversary, HKCCYA will hold the YMCA 'Basketball with You' 125th Anniversary Carnival in the atrium of OH! Kid Zone Phase 2 from May 23 to 25, 2026 (Saturday to Monday public holiday). The event will feature multiple photo spots and three interactive basketball games, allowing fans to challenge their reflexes, shooting accuracy, and jumping power. Those who successfully 'pass the three basketball challenges' can also redeem small gifts. There will also be an exhibition area on-site to introduce the history of basketball and the HKCCYA.

Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education teacher at Springfield College of the Massachusetts YMCA in the US. To enable students to exercise indoors during winter, he nailed two peach baskets on the balcony about 3 meters from the ground on both sides of the indoor arena and had students divide into teams to throw soccer balls into the peach baskets to score points. This later evolved into the global sensation of basketball we know today. As early as 1918, the HKCCYA established the first indoor sports field in Hong Kong at the Central Branch (formerly known as the Central Branch, now a declared monument) on必列者 Street in Sheung Wan, which was also the site of Hong Kong's first indoor basketball court. The HKCCYA has been actively promoting various sports in Hong Kong, including basketball.

As the HKCCYA celebrates its 125th anniversary, it remains dedicated to promoting sports culture and encouraging the holistic development of young people in terms of morals, intellect, physique, and social skills through sports. This year, the HKCCYA is proud to present the YMCA 'Basketball with You' 125th Anniversary Carnival, featuring three themed photo spots and three interactive basketball challenges. Participants who complete all three games on May 24 and 25 can redeem a specially designed basketball keychain or magnetic phone stand, with limited quantities available each day. In addition, those who follow the HKCCYA social media pages on-site will receive commemorative gifts with a unique Hong Kong flavor, such as an oil-based magnet sticker designed in the style of a stone slab. HKCCYA members who attend will also receive an additional design of the Yau Ma Tei street sign magnet sticker, reflecting the association's nearly century-long presence in the community through its headquarters at 23 Waterloo Road, Yau Ma Tei.

In addition to the games and photo spots, the carnival will also feature limited-time programs daily, offering a rich and diverse range of content. This includes performances by professional freestyle footballers and basketball players, with guest appearances by Hong Kong's renowned freestyle footballer, Bobo Sik, and Coach Leung Man-hung of the Hong Kong basketball team, 'Perfect'. Basketball enthusiasts won't want to miss their insights and skills. On Sunday and Monday afternoons (2:30-6:30 pm), there will also be family-friendly activities like face painting.

6 Photo Spots and Challenge Stations for a Comprehensive Basketball Experience

Players' Locker Room

The carnival will recreate a classic players' locker room, with jerseys and shoes neatly arranged, allowing visitors to step into the shoes of a player and imagine themselves in the midst of an intense game.

Giant Basketball

A giant basketball will be the center of attention at the event, providing the perfect photo opportunity to make you look like a 'mini player' and creating a powerful visual impact.

125 Years of Service Exhibition

Through precious photographs, this exhibition will showcase the HKCCYA's 125 years of serving the community, from the establishment of Hong Kong's first indoor basketball court to its various initiatives to promote youth development and sports in Hong Kong.

Slam 'the Light' Challenge

A must-have reaction training for basketball players, this challenge will have basketballs lighting up randomly, testing your speed and explosiveness, simulating the split-second decisions made on the court when defending against an opponent's breakthrough or intercepting a pass.

'Soul-stirring' Shooting Challenge

Shooting machines have always been a favorite among Hongkongers. Whether you're a street court sharpshooter or a novice, you can experience the thrill of consecutive goals and get more and more immersed in the game.

'Jump Up to New Heights' Test

Basketball tests a player's jumping ability, and the standard basketball hoop height is 285 cm. This test sets that as the ultimate goal, and success means you've reached the bottom of the hoop in a real game! Challenge your friends and see who has the true leaping ability!