Trip
to Guam, Supplementary
It has been brought to my attention that
there has been some discussion on public forums about my recent visit to Guam.
The implication of these postings is that I have used HKFA resources to fund
mine and my wife’s trip. I am very disappointed that people feel it necessary
to question my personal integrity in this way, especially without checking the
facts. The postings are mendacious and beyond contempt.
The fact is that my wife and I paid for all
of the costs of our visit to Guam including both of our flights, all of the
accommodation costs and all of the activities we took part in. The total cost
of our visit was circa HK$20,000 of which the HKFA paid HK$0.00, not even the
train ticket to the airport.
I thought it
would be a good idea to show some support to our U18 team and take a short
weekend vacation at the same time. The trip was in our time and entirely at our
cost. The Hong Kong team was pleased to have my support and the EAFF was also
happy for me to recognize and support their tournament. I will continue to
support Hong Kong football in this way.
關島之行 (後續)
最近某些公眾論壇的言論引起本人的注意，話題主要環繞早前刊登的《關島之行》，帖中暗示本人有公器私用之嫌，以足總資源去支付自己及太太的旅程費用，對於質疑本人的個人操守、本人感到極為失望，尤其在欠缺任何真憑實據的支持下，這些言論絕對是不盡不實。
事實上，本人和太太為這趟旅程自資所有費用，包括雙人往返機票、相關住宿費用以及任何行程內的消費。全個旅程的費用大約為港幣二萬元，當中並沒有用上足總的一分一毫，連往返機場鐵路的車資也是自資的。
上文提及，此行之主要目的是為香港18歲以下代表隊打氣，同時亦可順道享受短暫的周末假期。縱使時間及金錢皆由己出，但樂見港隊的傑出表現以及東亞足球聯盟感謝足總對是次賽事的支持，本人認為不枉此行，而且日後將繼續支持香港足球！
It is unbelievable how an angry mob that made baseless claims with intent to smear someone's reputation could have any recognition at goalgoalgoal.com. Further, these repugnant comments are completely unfounded and should be dismissed at once. Spreading a damaging untruth about a person is a serious offense that I wish these people [or Neanderthals rather] who obvious have nothing but a catalogue of vulgarities could ever digest intellectually.
ReplyDeleteMaking personal attacks is the lowest form of communication because it does not invite a dialogue. These comments are therefore done by cowards. After reading their awful and irrational comments, any reasonable person would conclude that their [the cowards] raison d'être is anger---angry at themselves or anything around them. In sum, they are unhappy people who intend to spread their unhappiness via this forum.
Mark, I have read your piece responding to ad hominem attacks. I would want you to know that you have captured an audience like me and above all, the truth is behind you.
Dear Chou Chou,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support. It is gratifying to know that there are decent Hong Kong people that want change and know where the 'road blocks' are to bringing about that change. I always knew there would be resistance to change from some people, that was inevitable. I can accept professional criticism but when it steps over the line into a personal attack, I must defend myself as anyone would do. I remain motivated to improving football in Hong Kong because of the vast majority of people that recognise that change is essential.
Mark
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteBravo! Well said and I cannot agree with you more. It's the most unhappy people who most fear change. In my experience, there are two kinds of fools: those who can't change their opinions and those who won't.
He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. Change alone is eternal, perpetual, and immortal.
My friend, keep up with your great work. The truth will prevail.
In closing, I will leave you with my thoughts for today. Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.
Your fervent supporter, chou chou