FWD’s Team Asia venturing to the frozen world of 89°N with three passionate runners from Hong Kong

FWD is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the “FWD North Pole Marathon” for the second year running, to be held on 9 April, 2018. As a title sponsor for the World’s Coolest Marathon, FWD will also support passionate runners from Hong Kong and across the region to embrace the challenge at the extreme 89° latitude North.

Paul Tse, Chief Marketing Officer of FWD Hong Kong and Macau, said, “We are extremely proud to continue  our  support  to  this  challenging  and  unique  event,  which resonates  with  FWD’s  value  of empowering people to pursue their passions and explore a lifetime of possibilities. From Hong Kong, we are  very  delighted  to  support  and  provide  protection  for  three  passionate  and  experienced  runners  to pursue their  goals of challenging the  extreme  marathon. Their determination and perseverance reflect how Hong Kong people are living their lives to the fullest.”

Three Runners Representing Hong Kong

The  race  will  see  FWD  sponsoring  10  runners  from  six  regions  across  Asia  to push  beyond  the  89°N parallel and to embrace the unique challenge. Representing FWD Hong Kong will be three passionate runners,  namely Gi  Ka-man,  Hong  Kong  Half  Marathon  record  holder;Gary  Leung,  a vision-impaired runner  from  the  Hong  Kong  Blind  Sports  Federation and awardee of “Regeneration Warrior” by the Regeneration  Society,  and  Regional  Director  of  FWD  Hong  Kong’s  tied  agencyAndy  Chikwho participated in last year’s North Pole Marathon and will also act as Gary’s guide runner this year.

Gi Ka-man said “As a runner, I have dreamed for years to be part of such an extraordinary race. I feel honoured and excited to be representing my fellow Hong Kongers to challenge the world’s most extreme marathon,  exploring  this  sub-zero  environment  with  other  passionate  athletes.  The  support  and comprehensive protection of FWD are crucial in gearing us up for the adventure.”

Gary Leung said “I concealed myself for two years after losing my sight in 2009, and taking up running totally changed my perspective on life. I went from feeling devalued to leading a life worth believing in. Running has allowed me to regain my Self –by constantly pushing the boundaries, and I hope to inspire others through every race. Participating in the  polar  marathon  will enable  me to share a one-of-a-kind running experience and inspire those in the disabled community.”

Andy Chik said “For many runners, joining the FWD North Pole Marathon is an opportunity to test their limits  and  to  push  their  running  versatility  further.  I  will  try  to  make  mysecond  attempt  even  more meaningful by guiding my teammate Gary across the frozen terrain.”

Team Asia

In  addition  to  the  three  experienced  runners  from  Hong  Kong,  the  FWD  team  consists  of  seven  other runners  from  across  Asia,  including Fedi  Fianto from  Indonesia, Izuoka  Misaki from  Japan,Luisito “Louie”  Sangalang  II from  the  Philippines, Md  Shariff  Abdullah from  Singapore, Tang  Nguyet Minh from Vietnam, as well as Ben Scully and Todd Latta for FWD Group.

Tim Oliver, FWD Group Chief Commercial Officer said, “While pursuing the adventure of a lifetime, I’m proud to share that FWD’s Team Asia will not only include two runners with disability, but our team will be raising funds for our partners, Hong Chi Association, Special Olympics, and Humanity & Inclusion,to support  people  with  disability  in  Asia.  At  FWD,  we  believe  everyone  should  have  the  opportunity  to embrace life’s challenges and live life to the fullest. The charitable support forms part of our community care focus of empowering people with disabilities across Asia.”

Extending Charitable Mileage of Hong Kong People’s Runs

For the Hong Kong public to be able to support the runners and our community in action, from now on until 9 April, for each Hong Konger who has accumulated a total running distance of 42.195 km and has posted it on Facebook with hashtag #IAmWhatICan, FWD Hong Kong will donate HK$50 to our partnered charities, Hong Chi Association and the Special Olympics Hong Kong.

Paul added, “Through the charitable cooperation, we would be able to convert the running miles of Hong Kong people into empowerment for people in need to pursue their passions. Everyone’s run counts!”

An Expedition to the North Pole at MegaBox

From 8 –11 April, an interactive zone simulating the polar environment is set up at MegaBox in Kowloon Bay for the public to experience the bone chilling extremes of our planet’s most northerly reaches.

(From left) Gi Ka Man, Paul Tse, Chief Marketing Officer of FWD Hong Kong and Macau, Gary Leung and Andy Chik unveiled the kick off ceremony of FWD North Pole Marathon 2018.

Gi Ka Man, Gary Leung and Andy Chik, Hong Kong representatives of theFWD North Pole Marathon 2018, demonstrated warm up exercises and shared details of training for the North Pole Marathon on stage.

Renowned local actress Cecilia So attended the kick off ceremony in support of the three Hong Kong runners challenging the extremes of 89°North latitude and introduced #IAmWhatICan charity run to encourage Hong Kongers to support the runners and local communities in action.

Paul Tse, Chief Marketing Officer of FWD Hong Kong and Macau (centre) and representatives from partner charities including Nicole Li,Services Supervisor of Hong Chi Association (first right), and Yeung Tak Wah, Vice Chairman of Special Olympics Hong Kong (first left), and local actress Cecilia So (third left) kick off this meaningful fundraising event and invite public’s participation

FWD Hong Kong has set up FWD North Pole Marathon 2018 Experiential Zone at Megabox, Kowloon Bay to showcase the training gear used for the freezing race and souvenirs from North Pole. A selfie zone and game zone are also included

A finish line arch stands of the FWD North Pole Marathon 2018 Experiential Zone for visitors to experience the festive atmosphere of the extreme marathon in Hong Kong!

About FWD Hong Kong & Macau

FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Japan. In Hong Kong, FWD offers life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, and financial planning. The life insurance and general insurance operating entities have been assigned strong financial strength ratings by international rating agencies —FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited is rated “A3”by Moody’s and “A” by Fitch; and FWD General Insurance Company Limited is rated “A” by Fitch.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance

Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group.

For more information please visit WWW.FWD.COM.HK and WWW.FWD.COM.MO.