The chill is on, and Macao's got game! The men's ice hockey team of China's Macao Special Administrative Region is all set to make a splash at the ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin. On Friday, the team held their final training camp in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, before heading north for the big event starting on February 7.
What's so cool about this team? They're not pros! Imagine a squad made up of firefighters, office workers, and even teenagers. With the only ice rink in Macao closed, these passionate players have been traveling to Zhuhai three times a week just to practice. Talk about dedication!
For this last practice, they hit up Shenzhen's standard-sized rink to get a feel for the real deal at Harbin 2025. The team, founded 20 years ago, boasts an average age of just 23. Leading the charge is captain Leong Chon Kong, who's been skating with the team since day one. Despite the challenges, Leong and his teammates are fired up to chase their dreams and inspire the next generation.
\"We may not have the best facilities, but we've got heart!\" Leong says with a grin. 🏒❤️
So keep your eyes peeled for these underdogs as they hit the ice. They're proof that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
