Dates: 31st Jan., 28th Feb., 28th March., 18th Apr., 9th May & 23rd May, 2007

Time: 2:45 - 5:45 p.m.

Venue: YMCA King ’ s Park Centenary Centre, Yau Ma Tei

Participants: All Form 4 students

All F.4 classes had the chance to try the fascinating rock-climbing and abseiling activities this year and our class F.4E set off for the YMCA King’s Park Centenary Centre in early May 2007! Upon arrival, everyone was a bit shocked when examining the huge wall made of “rocks”, where we were going to spend our afternoon.

However, after a brief introduction by the professional coach about the safety precautions and along with his demonstration, we regained our confidence and started our thrilling journey by climbing up a 6-metre wall. Frankly speaking, all of us felt like being the spiderman when we reached our destinations, viewing down from the height proudly waving to our friends who shared the joy of our achievements.

Indeed, rock-climbing is not an individual activity. We were paired up at the very beginning because one of us was entrusted the responsibility of holding the rope to ensure the climber’s safety. During landing, the one who was holding the rope began to release it cautiously bit by bit or else the climber might experience a sudden drop, which could be disastrous. With trust towards our partners, all of us made successful attempts.

Soon after we had completed our first task, we were brought to the highest spot of the wall of “rocks”, measuring 18 metres from the ground. This time the ordeal was to abseil and land. Having no one to help secure the rope this time, the climber relied on her own efforts, descending along the thin but tough rope before landing safely amid the cheers of the crowd. We tried our best not to think of the consequences if we lost our grips…

Nevertheless, such a challenge wasn’t the most difficult; on the contrary, it turned out to be an easy task! Some of us got the chance to climb up some much more challenging walls, like an 18-metre-tall wall which has a slope so great that it merely equals a vertical wall! Despite the fear they confronted, some of us managed to reach their goal with great determination (indeed, all of them had been hanging in mid-air for more than half an hour in order to complete the task!)! Congratulations!

In short, this activity gave us a chance to challenge ourselves with tasks which we had not come across before. Although not all of us conquered the most difficult “wall”, everyone enjoyed the process of attempting, cooperating and cheering for one another and did not regret spending a precious afternoon joining such a fun-filled programme.

Written by Joyce Chin (F.4E)