In 2025 — the year of the Paralympics — the 12th Shenzhen Sign Language Song Charity Concert embarks on a renewed journey under the theme “Fingertips Dancing Across the Bay Area • Perseverance Interprets Dreams.” With sign language as its voice and music as its soul, the project continues to inspire people with and without disabilities to connect, communicate, and move forward together.
On July 30, the concert’s project team crossed the bay to visit the Direction Association for the Handicapped (DAH) in Hong Kong, where they conducted a sign language song workshop for the beloved classic “Under the Lion Rock.” This was more than a simple rehearsal — it was a heartfelt encounter that transcended language and ability, carrying warmth and courage in every gesture.
Joining the visit were Ms. Hu, a journalist from Huaxia Times, an authoritative media outlet under the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, and Mr. Chen Jiaxing, a long-time supporter and independent media creator. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Chen volunteered to film and edit the event, capturing through his lens the sincerity, laughter, and silent understanding shared in that room. Each movement of the hand became a dialogue of empathy; every frame recorded a moment where love quietly overcame limitation.
The Direction Association for the Handicapped is a charitable organization that has long stood beside people with limb disabilities, helping them rebuild confidence, regain independence, and reintegrate into society. With professional guidance and compassionate care, DAH has become a safe harbor where many once-lost individuals have found a new sense of direction. Step by step, they have broken through physical barriers to lead independent lives — and, even more importantly, to express themselves with pride and courage.
During the workshop, Huaxia Times reporter Ms. Hu moved tirelessly among participants, camera in hand, capturing radiant smiles and heartfelt exchanges. She listened closely to stories of transformation — from confusion to confidence — and recorded how DAH empowers its members to rediscover purpose. Through her storytelling, each personal journey became a vivid portrait of resilience, allowing the public to see, hear, and feel the power of inclusion.
The chosen song, “Under the Lion Rock,” is more than a melody — it is a symbol of Hong Kong’s enduring spirit. Its lyrics embody perseverance, unity, and mutual support — values deeply rooted in the city’s collective memory. For the participants, the song also echoed their own beliefs: embracing life with courage, facing challenges with strength, and spreading warmth through silent action.
The association’s name, “Direction” (路向), carries a story of its own. It was personally inscribed in 2011 by Mr. Andy Lau, one of Hong Kong’s “Four Heavenly Kings” and a renowned artist and calligrapher. His calligraphy, known for its elegance and vitality, added a touch of spiritual strength to the organization. With just two characters, “Direction” came to symbolize a shared path forward — one guided by compassion, perseverance, and a belief in the transformative power of goodwill.
The “Under the Lion Rock” sign language class was led by veteran dance instructor Liang Bing, a long-time friend of the Shenzhen Sign Language Song Concert. Known for his professionalism and warmth, Liang patiently guided participants through each gesture, helping them feel the rhythm of music through their fingertips. Every movement became an act of self-expression, transforming silence into poetry.
Reporter Ms. Hu conducted a special interview with Teacher Liang, capturing both his dedication and the sincerity that drives his years of volunteer teaching. Through her lens, his story of persistence and purpose reached a wider audience. Meanwhile, Mr. Chen Jiaxing quietly documented every meaningful moment — the teacher’s focused guidance, the participants’ bright, determined eyes, and the unspoken harmony flowing between hands and hearts. His final film will become not only a record of the day but also a testament to the beauty of inclusive art.
The 12th Shenzhen Sign Language Song Charity Concert will take place on September 27, 2025, at the Futian Middle School Performing Arts Center in Shenzhen. The theme “Fingertips Dancing Across the Bay Area • Perseverance Interprets Dreams” resonates deeply with the Paralympic spirit of challenging oneself and striving forward.
This year’s concert is particularly meaningful as it brings together charitable organizations and performance groups from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Different cities, different voices, and different lives will share the same stage — transforming it into a living symbol of regional unity and inclusive collaboration.
Through the universal language of sign and song, the concert continues to shine a light on marginalized communities. It is not merely a performance; it is a bridge — connecting hearts, promoting understanding, and inviting society to listen to the dreams of those who speak through their hands.
With coverage from Huaxia Times, these stories will reach broader audiences across the nation. Meanwhile, Chen Jiaxing’s compassionate film will give them visual life — allowing the warmth of human connection to travel beyond borders and touch the hearts of many.
Crossing the boundary between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, breaking through the barriers between disability and ability, this journey has once again proven that the truest communication comes from empathy, not sound. When fingertips trace the rhythm of faith under the spotlight, and when courage shines quietly in every gesture, we are reminded of one simple truth:
Love and hope never fade — even in silence.
This moving journey — documented through media, film, and countless acts of kindness — has filled everyone involved with renewed anticipation for September’s stage, where the spirit of inclusion will once again dance under the lights.
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