Hong Kong insurer supports Youth Fencing Program at Kai Tak Sports Park

Hong Kong insurance company, CTF Life, a subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, is supporting the ‘Fencing Plus Training Program’ with Kai Tak Sports Park.  

The ‘Fencing Plus Training Program’ officially commenced at the Kai Tak Arena Grand Hall on 4th May 2025 and aims to discover potential fencing athletes and cultivate a new generation of sports elites in Hong Kong, promoting the '‘Sports for All’ culture and enhancing professionalism.

The Program received an enthusiastic response with over 1,000 applications, including eligible children from underprivileged families whose participation was fully supported by CTF Life. The first stage of selection was held on the same day as the Kick-Off Ceremony, where about 800 successfully registered students participated in an interactive full-day test assessing their physical fitness abilities, including speed, agility and reflexes. Led by Head Coach, Antonio Lam, former Olympic Games representative of the Hong Kong Fencing Team and the Top Sabre Fencer in Hong Kong, he will guide a team of professional coaches to help apprentices build a solid foundation from the basic to the advanced levels through tailored instructions.

Qualified apprentices will undergo a two-year structured training and can compete at the ‘Fencing Plus’ Cup. Outstanding performers in the competition will receive professional training, and a chance to participate in the Hong Kong Under-14 Cadet Pre team. They will also have the opportunity to compete in the ‘Asian Youth Elite Fencing League’, supported by CTF Life, sharing the stage with fencers from around the world.

CTF Life will also arrange a series of sports-related workshops, spanning nutrition, physiotherapy, sports journalism and commentary, to help young talent unleash their potential and achieve all-round development.

Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive of CTF Life noted  “Title-sponsoring the ‘Fencing Plus’ Training Programme by KTSI for the first time demonstrates our commitment to local sports development and offers opportunities for the next generation of athletes to shine on the international stage, creating value beyond sportsmanship. Furthermore, this edition marks the inaugural participation of CTF Life‧CIRCLE members, reflecting our dedication to delivering unique and high-quality diverse experiences for our customers.”

King-shing Tang, Director (Strategic Planning) of Kai Tak Sports Park added “KTSI is dedicated to advance sports for all for the Hong Kong community through sports and fitness related activities open to participants of all skill levels and ages. ‘Fencing Plus’ Training Programme is our major initiative, and we extend our special gratitude to CTF Life for their title sponsorship, supporting young athletes to undergo high-quality training and take part in competitions, cultivating a new generation of fencing athletes.”

According to ASN data, Chow Tai Fook, the parent company of CTF Life, has spent almost US$2.4million in the Asian sponsorship market since Q322, with an average quarterly investment of US$206,000 during this period. 

Image top. ‘Fencing Plus Training Program’. Credit: Kai Tak Sports Initiative; Image below from left. Chairman of the Hong Kong Fencing Association, Wing Sun Yeung; Mike Tsang; Denise Au-Yeung, Chief Strategy Officer of CTF Life; King-shing Tang Director (Strategic Planning) of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP); Panther Chan; Head Coach of the Programme, Antonio Lam