HONG KONG: "This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was thrilled to pitch in," said 19-year-old inmate and former drug addict nicknamed Tin, after carrying the East Asian Games (EAG) flame in a ground-breaking torch relay at a prison yesterday.

The flame seems not only to have lit up Hong Kong's first large-scale multi-sport event, but also the lives of many young prisoners.

Tin had been addicted to drugs. He hung around with triad members from the time he was 13, he recalled while standing in the shade at the Cape Collinson Correctional Institution in Chai Wan.

Over the past six years, he skipped school and was repeatedly arrested for assault, claiming to be a triad member and possessing dangerous drugs.

To regain freedom in two months, Tin, appearing tanned and tough in his clean and tidy Scout uniform, vowed to make a "turnaround" in his life and start anew.

"I used to have a hot temper and was too impatient to listen to others," he said.

After 13 months of disciplined training and getting started in volunteer work, Tin said, "I have become more tolerant of those holding views different from my own. I will listen to them and see if they are right."

His change in attitude also convinced prison officers to select him as one of the six torchbearers yesterday.

It was the first time that the blazing torch of the Games has been passed onto the hands of prisoners.

The Chai Wan correctional institution houses about 150 youths aged 14 to 20, said its officer Cheng Yuk-leung.

Three inmates were chosen to take part in the three-minute torch relay along with two officers as well as rehabilitation ambassador and award-winning triathlete Lee Chi-wo.

"I love playing sports, especially basketball and football. The Games immediately drew my attention when officers told me about them," Tin said.

He and nine other inmates, aged 18 to 20, from the Chai Wai prison will be volunteering at the rowing events in Shing Mun River from December 9 to 12.

"I am not particularly keen on rowing, but I am pleased to do whatever I am assigned. I just want to help out. It means a lot to me. I am sure it will be a beautiful memory," he said, smiling.

"I have never done anything remarkable in my life, but getting the chance to take part in the events has given me hope," the lad added.

Joining the 6,000-strong volunteer team, Tin said he is not worried that others may find out about his background.

"I am not under stress. I hope I won't be stigmatized. I will never take ketamine again," he said.

Cheng said the inmates selected as the Games volunteers are going to finish their prison terms in three months and have a lower risk of fleeing.

Thirteen correctional officers will also join hands with inmates to help out in the events.

(HK Edition 11/27/2009 page1)