Peter McDonald’s Fencing fetched over HK$1 million, while Edgar Cheung Ka-long’s practice foil sold for HK$378,000 at a recent Sotheby’s auction. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

“Going once… going twice… sold!”

And the signed foil of Hong Kong’s homegrown Olympic gold medalist, Edgar Cheung Ka-long, was sold to the highest bidder. The fencing weapon (accompanied by a signed photo) fetched HK$378,000 ($48,465) — three times the pre-sale estimate of HK$100,000-150,000. It was one of 32 lots offered at the Olympic Dreams Charity Auction, held by Sotheby’s Hong Kong on Dec 22. 

Presented in collaboration with HomeArt, the Hong Kong Olympic Fans Club, and the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), the auction’s proceeds will go to the SF&OC Sports Legacy Scheme in support of retiring or retired athletes as well as underprivileged student athletes.

Allen Jones’ The Blue Gymnast sold for HK$882,000 at a Sotheby’s Hong Kong charity auction in aid of athletes last week. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

“This foil means a great deal to me,” says Cheung. “It has been with me through many ups and downs.” This was his practice foil, the champion adds, recalling the sweat and toil of training. It was used so much that the handle had to be replaced. Adds Cheung: “There was perhaps more to what I went through in training than when I was in competitions.”

Other treasured Hong Kong Olympics memorabilia on sale included cycling gloves signed by bronze medalist Sarah Lee Wai-sze, and a drawing of yoga poses by fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai. Donated artworks included pieces by Peter McDonald, Damien Hirst, Zeng Fanzhi and Yoshitomo Nara, while precious jewelry and vintage wines were also on offer. 

“It’s a first for any auction house in Asia to host a multidisciplinary sale in the context of the Olympics,” says Kevin Ching, executive chairman of Sotheby’s Asia. “The challenge in curating a sale such as this is how to tie all these seemingly very different things together and give it a coherent theme.” 

This T-Shirt, signed by 11 members of China’s Olympic diving team, fetched HK$52,920. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

It is no mean feat to source sports-themed art, notes Ching. Local home-goods store HomeArt helped by commissioning Peter McDonald to paint a series of works highlighting Hong Kong’s successes at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021: in particular, in swimming, fencing, cycling, table tennis and kata. The brand was also instrumental in securing certain works for the auction direct from the artists.

One lot Ching highlights is a T-shirt signed by members of the decorated Chinese diving team — including Quan Hongchan, the 14-year-old gold medalist at this year’s Olympics. “Hong Kong has done well. The mainland has done massively well,” says Ching. “Kenneth Fok (Kai-kong), vice-president of the SF&OC, donated this T-shirt for the sale,” he adds, hoping the gesture will help relay the message of stronger ties between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. 

Hong Kong Olympic cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze poses with her bronze medal. Lee’s cycling gloves, signed by the athlete, sold for HK$50,400. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

“Through this charity auction, I hope we can raise awareness in Hong Kong — not only to support our athletes in winning medals, but to look after them when they retire,” says Ching. “It’s also an opportunity to give the less fortunate a chance to develop their sporting talents. I think this is consistent with what the Hong Kong government now wants to do because, for the longest time, we felt that our athletes were undersupported.” He notes that it also demonstrates social responsibility on the part of Sotheby’s to host auctions that are not commercially driven.

“Furthermore, as this is a Hong Kong sale, it’s a good opportunity to showcase local artists such as Mak Ying-tung and Cheung Tsz-hin,” he adds.

Hong Kong’s homegrown fencing hero Cheung says he hopes the impact of the sale will extend beyond the auction room. He encourages everyone to pursue their dreams like he did: “Do not be deterred by failure or hard work. Strive to become the next world champion!”