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September 2009
   
Excited colleague acts as torchbearer in EAG Torch Relay
 
We covered the HA's preparatory work for the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) in our last issue. Soon afterwards we discovered that one of our nursing colleagues – Ms Evelyn Ho, a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital – actually participated in the 100-day Countdown and Torch Relay for the event, which was held on 29 August.

In fact, Ms Ho was chosen for this honour in her capacity as a volunteer leader in the Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS) team that will be contributing to the EAG. She was very excited and pleased to tell HASLink about her unique experience.

Learning a lot as a volunteer leader
Ms Ho first heard from one of her friends that the AVS was co-organising a volunteer programme for the EAG. "I applied to become a volunteer leader in mid-June last year. After attending an interview and group discussion, I finally heard that my application had been successful. Then we attended some training sessions that taught us about various aspects of leadership, including communication skills, risk management and problem-solving techniques." Ms Ho says she found them very rewarding in terms of the things she learned.

Another unexpected bonus of being a volunteer was, of course, the chance to become a torchbearer. "I didn't have any special feelings about it when I first knew that I had been chosen. I just regarded it as being part of my volunteer service. However, I became more excited when we faced the many reporters and photographers on the day of the media briefing. There were at least 50 cameras taking photos, too. Later, I met and chatted with my friends to ease my nervousness on the eve of the Torch Relay."

However, Ms Ho's mood was transformed when she actually carried the torch. "It was so exciting! I waved to passers-by as I carried the torch, and even though it was quite heavy, I kept holding it even higher and higher."

Ms Ho will be responsible for doping control during the EAG, which will give full rein to her professional clinical knowledge. We wish her continued success in her volunteer service during this forthcoming major event!