A Blog By Our Founder On International Womans Day

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The Teachers Who Believed in Me  

Let’s start with my school life, where my school years were shaped by two incredible teachers. Miss Gallagher, my primary school teacher, was a beacon of encouragement. She had this magical ability to make you feel like you could achieve anything, even when the evidence suggested otherwise. Miss Gallagher taught me that patience and kindness can move mountains—and that it’s okay to stumble as long as you keep trying.  

Then came Miss Arnie, my high school music teacher when I moved to Hong Kong. Now, let’s be honest: I was passionate about music, but talent? That was... negotiable at best.

But Miss Arnie didn’t care. She saw my enthusiasm and decided it was worth celebrating. She nominated me for the Middle School Achievers Award, and I’ll never forget how proud (and slightly confused) I felt at that moment. She taught me an important life lesson: effort matters, and sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you to light a fire in your soul.  

I went on to play in a death metal band with my friends for several years, but needless to say, I never made it in the music world. Still, the experience of being involved in music alongside friends, with the confidence she had given me, was invaluable.  

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My Mom: The Original Rock  

If there’s one person who has always been in my corner, it’s my mum. She has been my biggest cheerleader, even when I gave her no reason to be. Through every mistake, every challenge, and every triumph, she’s been there with unwavering support.  

What’s truly remarkable about my mum is her selflessness.

Even in moments when she had her own struggles—moments she worked hard to shield me from—she made sure I felt loved, supported, and happy. Her quiet strength and resilience are qualities I aspire to every day, and I’m endlessly grateful for the sacrifices she’s made to give me the life I have today.  

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Two Grandmothers, Two Life Lessons  

My grandmothers were very different, but they both taught me invaluable lessons about life.  

My dad’s mother, who has since passed away, was a woman of tradition, structure & manners. She believed in discipline and doing things the proper way, but she also had her soft side. She made the best cookies, and I loved sneaking into her kitchen to steal one or two. Those cookies always tasted better when stolen!

Then there’s my Mum’s Mum, my amazing Gran, who is still going strong at 96 years old. She’s not just an inspiration because of her age, but because of the incredible life she has lived. One of four sisters, she and her siblings remained close throughout their lives, pushing each other forward through life’s challenges—including the heartbreak of losing their partners (I still wear her late husband's wedding ring to this day). Their bond was a testament to the strength of sisterhood and the power of lifting each other up, no matter what life throws your way.  

My Gran’s strength and energy are unmatched, even now. She soldiers on with the spirit of someone who refuses to let life get the better of her. Her incredible daughters (my mum and her four sisters) do an outstanding job of caring for her. As one of five girls, my mum and her sisters have created a beautiful support system, ensuring that Gran is surrounded by love, care, and constant support every single day. It’s a shining example of the strength that women bring to their families, and it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.  

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My Sister: The Journalist-Turned-Boss Lady  

Let’s talk about my sister. Her determination to succeed in the media world and live in America was nothing short of awe-inspiring. She had her sights set on New York, and she didn’t just dream about it—she made it happen. After years of working closely alongside Anna Wintour at Vogue, she’s now based in LA, working for LVMH and continuing to crush it professionally.  

Watching her become a mother has been truly inspiring.

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The same discipline and hard work that propelled her career are now being passed down to her daughter. I hope the distance between us doesn’t stop us from evolving our relationship further because, honestly, she’s one of the coolest people I know—even if she occasionally makes the rest of us look like slackers.  

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Danielle: My Partner and Greatest Inspiration  

If there’s one woman who keeps me grounded, it’s my wife, Danielle. She’s my partner, my confidante, and the person who inspires me to keep pushing forward, even on days when I’d rather just hit pause on life. Danielle has this incredible ability to see the best in people and challenges them to be better.  

Her compassion, determination, and knack for finding joy in the smallest moments are qualities I deeply admire. I honestly don’t know how I got so lucky. Thanks for standing by me, Danielle—you’re the heart of everything I do.  

Oh, and you're the funniest girl I will ever know ;)

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The Domestic Helpers Who Do So Much For Us

Growing up in Hong Kong, I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of incredible domestic helpers who have been like family to me. From Ghell, who helped raise me from the age of 12 to 20, to our current helper, Devs, who takes such wonderful care of my son, Rory, and our family—these women are nothing short of extraordinary.  

The energy and dedication they bring to their work is beyond commendable. What’s even more remarkable is the sacrifice they make, leaving their own families behind to care for ours. It’s a level of selflessness that’s hard to put into words. Ghell was a guiding presence during my teenage years, helping me navigate the chaos of adolescence with patience and grace.  

Now, Devs is a cornerstone of our family, pouring her heart into caring for Rory and ensuring our household runs smoothly. Her warmth, energy, and love for Rory are gifts I’ll never take for granted. To Ghell, Devs, and all the amazing domestic helpers out there—you are the unsung heroes of so many lives, and we are endlessly grateful for everything you do.  

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The Women of Minisport: A League of Their Own  

Minisport wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible women who’ve been part of our journey and remian committed to bringing joy to the kids inour growing community.

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Olivia, one of our dedicated coaches, brings warmth and enthusiasm to every session, lighting up the lives of the children she works with.  

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Chantal, our soon-departing videographer, has spent the past year capturing the heart and soul of minisport here in Hong Kong. We’ll miss you, Chantal—don’t forget us when you’re winning awards for your films!

Then there’s our admin team — Ledjlyn, Venny, and Mariyah —who are the backbone of our operations. Their professionalism and dedication ensure everything runs as seamlessly as possible. From scheduling to communication, they handle it all with grace and precision, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the role they play in our success.  

We’ve also just welcomed Barbra to the team, whose energy knows no bounds.

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I can’t wait to see what Barbra brings to the program as she becomes an integral part of the Minisport family.  

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And let’s not forget Elaine, who was with us during the trenches of Covid. She handled the daily policy changes with a level of calm and organisation that frankly saved Minisport during one of the most challenging periods in our history. Elaine, you’re an absolute legend, and I’ll always be grateful for your hard work and dedication.  

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A Final Word of Thanks  

As I look back on the past 12 years of building Mini Sport, I’m struck by the incredible support I’ve received from women at every stage of my Minisport journey. From private class organisers to summer camp enthusiasts, from moms who’ve hosted eight (or more!) birthday parties to the countless women who’ve sent words of encouragement—thank you (shoutouts to Elodie, Joanna, Karen, Nikki, Sara, Mamie, Alison, Leah, Fiona, Justine & Caroline to name a few- I have certainly missed out a lot of others but you know who you are!).

‍Your belief in what we do has been the fuel that keeps us going.

This International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate all the women who make the world a better place. Whether you’re a teacher, a mom, a sister, a coach, a helper, or a colleague, know that your contributions are deeply appreciated. You are the reason we dream bigger, aim higher, and keep moving forward.  

Here’s to you—the women who make life worth celebrating.

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Thank you for everything.

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