​The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (June 28) held the Joining Hands on the Road to Rehabilitation - Hong Kong Reunification Futsal Tournament at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai. The event attracted more than 600 guests, organisations and individuals from various sectors supporting rehabilitation, members of youth uniformed groups and rehabilitated persons. Through the sport of football, the event aimed to promote the message of "Joining Hands on the Road to Rehabilitation" and to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the return of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the motherland.
      
     As an officiating guest, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, together with the Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Eric Fok, served as the captains of the Rehabilitation Invitation Team and the Joining Hands Invitation Team respectively, and participated in an exhibition match with stakeholders from different sectors.
      
     Speaking at the event, Mr Tang said that football is a team sport in which players must work together to achieve good results. The same applies to rehabilitation work, which relies on not only efforts of the CSD, but also the support of all sectors of society to enable rehabilitated persons to make contributions to society after their release.

     Mr Tang said when playing football, one may suffer from injuries and break rules, which will also happen in life. However, one can have a better life by regaining a positive spirit.
      
     The event comprised three parts, namely an exhibition match participated in by officiating guests, a Legislative Council Member, community dignitaries, representatives of organisations supporting rehabilitation, artistes, CSD staff, representatives of the Correctional Services Pioneer Leaders and young rehabilitated persons; the Youth Uniformed Group Invitational Competition participated in by the Rehabilitation Football Team, eight youth uniformed groups of the Security Bureau's disciplined and auxiliary services departments and other youth uniformed groups; and the Supporting Organisation Invitational Competition participated in by teams of organisations from various sectors supporting rehabilitation.
      
     Through the above three competitions and the "Joining Hands on the Road to Rehabilitation" Football Training Programme in collaboration with the Hong Kong Playground Association and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, the CSD hopes to provide diversified learning opportunities for persons in custody and rehabilitated persons with a strength-based approach, so as to expand their positive social networks and cultivate and strengthen their personal capabilities, as well as to reshape their self-identity by leveraging the achievement and sense of belonging brought by sports, thereby helping them reintegrate into society.

Ends/Sunday, June 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:20

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