HONG KONG — Celebrated Hong Kong actor Lau Dan, known affectionately as “Gung Gung” (Grandpa) for his long-running role in the popular sitcom Lo and Behold, joined co-star Kalok Chow—who plays his “dutiful grandson”—on Saturday at a Tuen Wan shopping center to promote a burgeoning new sport in Asia, floorball. The public event saw the intergenerational duo demonstrating impressive rapport and physical agility while engaging in the emerging alternative sport, highlighting its accessibility and appeal.
The stars of the hit series Lo and Behold captivated the crowd by participating in an exhibition of soft floorball (a variation of floorball played with soft sticks and balls), showcasing both camaraderie and enthusiasm. Chow, known for his active lifestyle which includes regular running and hiking, demonstrated a natural aptitude for the sport. His existing athletic coordination allowed him to quickly grasp the fundamentals of handling the stick and maneuvering the ball, even patiently instructing his veteran colleague, Lau Dan, on the proper grip technique.
Despite being a novice to the sport, 79-year-old Lau Dan exhibited remarkable learning speed. The seasoned actor quickly picked up the necessary skills and infused the session with his characteristic humor, exchanging lighthearted banter with Chow, which resulted in continuous laughter from both the participants and the audience.
Chow quipped about the role reversal: “On the set, Mr. Dan frequently guides me in my acting; today, it was finally my turn to be the coach!” Lau Dan responded warmly, emphasizing the joy of physical activity with younger people. “Exercising with young people is particularly invigorating; I feel considerably younger myself,” he noted. “The most important aspect of this sport isn’t the technique, but the laughter and shared enjoyable time.”
The event successfully showcased the inclusive nature of floorball, demonstrating that it can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Often characterized as a fast-paced and low-impact sport, floorball is rapidly gaining traction globally, making it an ideal activity for family bonding and group exercise.
As the Christmas season approaches, the actors provided insight into their holiday plans. Chow stated that he anticipated spending the festive period focused on work commitments. In contrast, Lau Dan revealed intentions for a traditional, warm family Christmas. He further shared that he might introduce soft floorball to his granddaughter, “Little Glutinous Rice,” as a novel way to share quality family time during the holidays.
The promotion highlighted the growing trend of utilizing popular television figures to increase awareness and participation in niche sports. By demonstrating the activity, the veteran actor and his young counterpart provided a relatable, positive image of embracing new physical challenges, irrespective of age.