This article is courtesy of UIAA full member, China Hong Kong Mountaineering Climbing Union, and was published on 8 April.
The new coronavirus COVID-19 is raging all over the world, with serious conditions in 207 countries and regions . So far (April 8, 2020), the number of infected people worldwide has reached more than 1.4 million, and the death toll has exceeded 82,000. As there is still no definitive treatment and epidemic prevention measures, maintaining social distance or even isolation is the only way to suppress the spread of the epidemic for the time being. Therefore, many governments, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, have implemented various levels of restrictions. Reduce contact with the masses, restrict homes, and even close cities. Although these measures have seriously affected the daily life and economic activities of the general public, in order to continue the spread of the immune system, citizens of all regions should also do their part. I hope that the epidemic can be relieved as soon as possible, so that global life can return to normal.
Regarding the restrictive measures implemented by the Hong Kong government, this Council also needs to fulfill its social responsibilities and maintain public health and safety. It cannot be avoided that all training courses are temporarily suspended until the epidemic slows.
Due to the impact of income, some coaches / subsidiaries have recently submitted requests to the General Assembly for support and recommended to refund part of the membership fees, coach registration fees and certificate fees, and even issue cash assistance to alleviate the current financial difficulties. After careful study, the council decided that it should respond publicly. So that all members can understand the position of the General Assembly and feasible solutions.
The sole purpose of the establishment of the Association is to be responsible for the promotion and overall management of the development of mountain climbing in Hong Kong. This is clearly stated in the Memorandum of Association. It is completely different from other trade unions established to take care of the welfare of employees in the industry. The coach registration fee and training course certification fee charged by the Association are only to make up for the administrative expenses of the administrative office to deal with related matters, not the “revenue” of the General Association.
According to the Memorandum of Association, Article 4.15, Article 5 and Article 6, the income and property of the Association can only be used for the purpose of promoting the regulations. No income or property shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly to any member of the Association through dividends, bonuses, gifts or other means.
In accordance with the purpose and purpose set out in the chapter, as well as the restrictions on financial use, no one, including the board of directors, has the right to use the resources of the club to support any member or person of the club.
We are deeply sympathetic to the current economic pressure on individual coaches. After the epidemic has stabilized, it is planned to actively consider seeking other methods and try its best to assist the coaches of the association to resume normal sports promotion activities as soon as possible.
The original article can be viewed here.
