Before
During
After
The Mingzhi Project
The Mingzhi Project started in 2019 initiated by Pearl Shaw, who collaborated with Mingzhi Junior High and a coach. The ambitious goal was to construct a squash court to expose underprivileged students to this sport.
This project was entirely funded by all of Pearl’s prize winnings accumulated from past competitions, which she had saved up that totaled up to around $9,000 USD.
In January 2020, a squash court and a practice court were successfully built in the school's basement, and Pearl and the coach started gathering students. All equipment was provided for, including racquets, squash balls, safety goggles, etc.
This program not only fostered a community dedicated to supporting students’ physical health and happiness but also yielded three exceptional athletes who made the national team through hard work and sheer determination.
As of January 2024, this ongoing program with weekly practice sessions has brought smiles to over 70 students from Mingzhi, and is the project that Pearl is most proud of.
7/11/2020. Coach Allen leads the first batch of students.
9/17/2021. Refereeing practice!
10/22/2021. Coach Yo-Chun appeals for a stroke.
8/19/2022. It’s push-up time!! Punishment for losing to Coach Allen …
9/3/2022. The beginner class at the smaller practice court outside the main court.
11/21/2022. Forehand drives!
12/25/2022. Christmas practice session!
1/30/2023. Beginners familiarizing themselves with the racket by doing dribbles.
7/8/2023. Coach Pearl practices with the advanced group.
9/16/2023. Coach Daphne feeds forehand shots to a new batch of students.
10/14/2023. Coach Daphne initiates a reflex exercise with the ball.