YMCA special needs inclusive challenge ambassadors set to conquer 100km of Hong Kong’s toughest trail — breaking limits with every step. Support their cause by donating here.

Tai Mo Shan Peak

What does it take to hike 100km? For most of us, it might be hard to imagine — aching legs, blistered feet, and long days on rough terrain. But for 10 Singaporeans with special needs, it’s much more than endurance. It’s about breaking barriers, defying expectations, and proving that determination can take you anywhere.

This November, The Travel Intern will be joining YMCA’s special needs inclusive challenge ambassadors to conquer Hong Kong’s 100km MacLehose Trail as part of the Find Your Y – Inclusive Challenge 2024. The goal? To raise awareness and funds for youth with special needs, empowering them to reach their potential and live independently.

These funds go towards the YMCA Community Services Fund — supporting vocational training and social development programmes for youths with special needs and youths-at-risk.

The MacLehose Trail: No ordinary walk in the park

MacLehose Trail Map

Photo credit: The Government of the Hong Kong SAR

Known as Hong Kong’s oldest and longest trail, this 100km hike spans the New Territories from Tuen Mun to Sai Kung. Around the three-quarter mark, it cumulates at Hong Kong’s highest peak (Tai Mo Shan)!

From beautiful beaches and coastlines to forests, grasslands and urban views over Kowloon, you can expect stunning landscapes. But those views don’t come easy — it’s five gruelling days of hiking through steep ascends, rolling hills, stone steps, and paved roads.

MacLehose trail panoramic view

Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

The trail is split into 10 stages and the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge Ambassadors will need to walk an average of 20km for up to 10 hours every day. We’ve climbed the Tai Mo Shan stage before so we know it’s tough!

Thankfully, the ambassadors will be shuttled to the YMCA dormitories every evening for warm showers and a comfortable bed.

Read also: 5D4N Hong Kong Itinerary — Hiking, Caving & Island Hopping

From Mt Fuji to MacLehose: Raising the Bar

YMCA-Special-Needs-Inclusive-Challenge-Mr-Fuji

Last year, some of these ambassadors took on Mt. Fuji, climbing Japan’s highest mountain (3,776m) in over 12 hours. They raised S$136,785 for the cause, proving that anything is possible.

But this year, they’re not settling for what’s already been done. Tackling the 100km MacLehose Trail takes the challenge up several notches, showing that there’s always another mountain to climb, another boundary to push.

And they’re not just there for the hike — they’re sending a message that youths with special needs are also capable of achieving extraordinary things when given the chance.

Behind-the-scenes: Grit, sweat, and heart

Training with the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge Ambassadors

To prepare for the challenge, all 10 YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge Ambassadors, volunteers, and caregivers have been training twice a week since July! Other than full-day hikes around Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the team has also been participating in intensive stairs training.

We attended a couple of training sessions and were amazed by the dedication of the ambassadors working hard every week. It was really inspiring and heartwarming as I recall many moments where the ambassadors pushed their peers to be the best version of themselves.

How to show your support for the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge

You don’t have to hike 100km to make a difference (phew!). There are plenty of ways to support this cause and cheer on these amazing ambassadors as they conquer the MacLehose Trail.

1) Donate Generously

YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge Donation Screenshot

Every contribution, big or small, goes a long way. Your generosity helps turn their steps on the trail into opportunities for youths who need it most.

The YMCA Community Services Fund directly supports vocational training and social development programs for youth with special needs and youth-at-risk. These programs aim to equip them with the skills and opportunities they need to lead independent lives and become valuable contributors to society on their own terms.

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Make a direct donation to the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge here — don’t worry, there are zero platform fees. Donations above S$50 are tax deductible too!

2) Share their journey and cheer them on

Share this article (or the donation link) with someone who could help, and follow the special needs ambassadors at @ymca.singapore on Instagram. Drop a message of encouragement, give a shout-out, a comment, or even a like — it all adds up to a virtual cheer that’ll lift their spirits when the trail gets tough.

3) Corporate Sponsorship: Share this with your boss

If you’re a part of a company that believes in the power of inclusivity, consider making a bigger impact. Reach out to YMCA’s Corporate Affairs team at [email protected] to explore sponsorship opportunities. It’s a powerful way to give back while aligning your company’s brand with a mission that truly matters.

Finding Your Y

This 100km MacLehose Trail is a reminder that life’s challenges aren’t just about what we face — they’re about how we choose to face them. For YMCA, it’s about building a world where everyone (no matter their abilities), has the chance to find their purpose, strength, and place.

So, what’s your version of the 100km hike?

Maybe it’s not a trail but a challenge at work, a personal goal, or even a belief you’ve been struggling to change. Whatever it is, these 10 Singaporeans with special needs are proof that with heart, grit, and a little help from our friends, we’re all capable of so much more than we think.

Featured image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

What will you do to support the cause? Let us know in the comments below!


This is not a sponsored post.

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Hendric Tay
Co-founder of @TheTravelIntern. Leaving his full-time job to travel, Hendric is also an outdoor enthusiast, entrepreneur, creative, occasional dancer, and human. Join him on his adventures on IG @Pohtecktoes.

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