Mentors and friends give time and love

I met my alumni through a running training class, she has a more introverted personality, and at first we ran separately when we practiced, and we didn’t respond much when talking to her. At that time, I didn’t know much about communicating with her, but I learned communication skills through the volunteer training provided by the Fitness Programme*, interacting with other mentors and friends, and paying attention to how staff communicate with members on a daily basis. In addition, my interest is twisting waves, and I will prepare balloons made by myself to give to her before running practice, hoping that through these small gifts can touch her heart, slowly she began to accept me, began to respond more to my words, and after a little more time, she would also share some things about her to me.

In January, we participated in the Run to Inclusive Charity Run, not long after the start of the run, Xueyou not only fell, but finally failed to continue running, due to the large number of people in the venue, could not immediately meet Xueyou’s mother, while waiting for support, I have been accompanying and comforting her, letting her know that I care about her. After this traumatic experience, our communication has increased a lot. In addition, once in order to give her the God of Wealth balloon I made, we met to wait at the Mong Kok MTR Station, during which we searched with Xueyou’s mother for several minutes but could not meet me, and finally in the crowd, she found me with just one look from Xueyou. Right now, I think that’s our fate.

Running and friendship go hand in hand
After spending half a year together, I slowly developed a friendship with her, and when the family traveled, my schoolmate chose gifts for me, which made me feel very warm. Relationships are not easy at first, but as long as we give them more time to let them know that we care about her, relationships can be built slowly. Now Xueyou is one of the motivations for me to learn to twist balloons, and every time I give it to her, I will start to think about what style to make for her next time? Recently, we are preparing for the next communion run, Xueyou ran a lap and not only fell, but after these days of getting along, I understand her temperament and get along with her, I first encourage her to walk around the sports field together, and then invite her to jog together, slowly we all began to run, through the relationship with Xueyou I also gained a lot, cherish the fate between me and Xueyou.

*Down syndrome/intellectual disabilities – Healthy and Active Ageing in the Prime Year (“Diligence Plan”). The objective of the programme is to assist people aged 18 or above with Down syndrome/intellectual disabilities to continuously learn new life skills, overcome challenges in all aspects of life, achieve independent living, and promote meaningful and active participation in community life in early adulthood. Through different group courses and mentoring guidance, the programme provides mentorship, enabling people with down/intellectual disabilities to acquire more knowledge and skills for community participation and independent living.