Key Points:
- The Junior Chamber International (JCI) North District organized the "2025 Senior Speed Stack Closing Ceremony," introducing sport stacking to help delay cognitive decline in the elderly.
- Celebrity Tiffany Lau (Tiffany) participated in speed stacking activities with seniors.
- Assistant Professor of Teaching Senior Dr Mok Kam-Ming from Lingnan University's School of Interdisciplinary Studies, conducted a tracking study as part of the project, finding that seniors who consistently participated in speed stacking training showed a downward trend in stress and anxiety levels.
HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hong Kong faces an increasingly severe aging population problem, data from the Department of Health shows that 1 in 10 seniors aged 70 or above suffers from dementia, while 1 in 3 seniors aged 85 or above is affected. Therefore, delaying cognitive decline in the elderly has become a key societal concern.
On August 10, JCI North District held the grand "2025 Senior Speed Stack Closing Ceremony" at Choi Yuen Community Hall in Sheung Shui. Over the past four months, the project has conducted over ten sport stacking training sessions, successfully helping over 200 seniors improve hand-eye coordination and demonstrating significant results in slowing cognitive decline. Distinguished guests at the event included Ms Jessie YU Sau-chu, BBS, MH, JP, Executive Committee Chairperson of the Hong Kong Senior Citizens Association; celebrity Tiffany Lau; North District Councillor Lau Chun Hoi; former North District Council Chairman So Sai Chi, SBS, MH; and JCI Hong Kong China President Rafael Wong. The event received support from various social organizations and enterprises, including the Hong Kong Senior Citizens Association, Hong Kong Starlight Lions Club, Lingnan University, Sport Stacking Association of Hong Kong China, Wofoo Social Enterprises, Coalition of Global Home Service Sustainable Development, Hong Kong Christian Service, and Hong Kong Caring Magic Circus, raising awareness about using sport stacking to delay cognitive decline.
Scientific Validation of Stacking
Originally a globally popular speed sport, speed stacking has recently been scientifically validated for its "low barrier, high benefit" characteristics, making it particularly suitable for seniors. JCI North District President Kwok Chak Fung noted: "The purpose of ' Senior Speed Stack ' is to introduce a sport that requires no complex equipment or large venues. Seniors only need a set of specialized cups to practice at home or in community centers. From the qualitative research conducted with Lingnan University, we found that participants not only improved their reaction times but also built social connections through group training, effectively enhancing mental health and achieving the goal of 'Senior Speed Stack.'"
According to a joint study by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Colorado Mesa University, speed stacking can improve participants' hand-eye coordination by 30% and stimulate electrical activity in both brain hemispheres through alternating hand movements (Hart & Bixby, 2005), helping delay cognitive decline. Research also shows that sport stacking has a metabolic equivalent (MET) of 2.9, comparable to activities like bowling and walking (Murray et al., 2009), making it suitable for seniors to maintain basic physical fitness.
Additionally, Dr. Mok Kam-Ming, Assistant Professor of Teaching, School of Interdisciplinary Studies from Lingnan University conducted a follow-up study as part of the project, finding that seniors who consistently participated in cup-stacking training showed a downward trend in stress and anxiety levels. The sense of belonging fostered through group competitions indirectly strengthened social connections. Dr Mok said: "Many participants went from initial reluctance to actively serving as assistant coaches, demonstrating how speed stacking significantly boosts seniors' confidence." Participants also improved their memory, hand-brain coordination, and teamwork skills through training.
From "Zero Experience" to Cup-Stacking Experts
At the closing ceremony, over 120 senior participants, with an average age of 65, competed in speed-stacking races, showcasing impressive proficiency. Among them, participant Ms. Lam stood out by completing the 3-6-3 stacking pattern in just 7.24 seconds, becoming the champion of the event.
Tiffany Lau Competes with Seniors
Guest of honor Ms. Jessie YU Sau-chu, praised the "Senior Speed Stack" project for combining innovation with scientific evidence, stating: "Aging is no longer just about passive care. "Senior Speed Stack" proves that seniors can actively manage their health through emerging sports, truly realizing the vision of 'enjoying aging.'" Celebrity Tiffany Lau also joined the cup-stacking challenge, competing with seasoned senior stackers. She said with a smile: "Seeing seniors so actively participating in a new sport makes me really happy."
Building Bridges for Intergenerational Harmony
JCI Hong Kong China President Rafael Wong emphasized: "Facing an aging society, young leaders must take proactive steps to address social issues. Through the 'Senior Speed Stack' initiative, JCI has demonstrated this mission in action. Using speed stacking as a platform for intergenerational interaction, they have not only allowed seniors to experience the health benefits of a new sport but also fostered communication and collaboration across generations." Project Chairman Jaydon Lim added: "When young people and seniors learn cup-stacking together, it not only enhances intergenerational communication and harmony but also allows for mutual observation and learning, strengthening family bonds and jointly creating 'senior legacies.'"
About JCI North District
Established in 1985, JCI North District is one of the 21 chapters under JCI Hong Kong China. Through the four pillars of development "individual, business, community, and international". It provides opportunities for young people aged 18 to 40 to participate in projects that serve society while training and improving themselves.
Originally based in the North District, the chamber has expanded its membership to include young professionals from across Hong Kong. Over the years, it has organized various projects, including the "Children Silver Tongue Contest," "Lamplight of Peace," "International Children's Cultural Exchange Camp," "Greater Bay Area – Northern Metropolis Youth Industry Opportunities Forum," and "Mountain Clean."
About " Senior Speed Stack "
The " Senior Speed Stack " project introduces the emerging sport of cup-stacking (sport stacking) to the elderly community. It provides seniors with hand-eye coordination training to enhance brain-hand coordination, delay cognitive decline, and promote intergenerational harmony, allowing the elderly to enjoy the fun of sports. From April to August, the project successfully conducted 10 professional training sessions, serving over 200 seniors, and concluded with a timed cup-stacking competition involving 100 seniors at the closing ceremony.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
"Senior Speed Stack" Introduces Emerging Sport Stacking to Help Reduce Cognitive Decline in the Elderly
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The First Time a Game in the Legendary Franchise Comes to Consoles
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Critically-acclaimed game development studio ArenaNet® tonight announced Guild Wars 3™, the third entry in the legendary and beloved Guild Wars® MMORPG franchise and their first new game since 2012. The game will release globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, marking the first time a Guild Wars game will appear on home consoles. The first beta test is scheduled for fall of 2027.
The official debut trailer features the first in-engine gameplay footage and can be viewed HERE. The first concept art and other assets are hosted at the Guild Wars 3 official press kit.
"Guild Wars 3 is a new era not just for ArenaNet and Guild Wars, but also for MMORPGs as a whole," said Colin Johanson, Guild Wars 3 Game Director and ArenaNet Studio Head. "The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences, and the opportunity to harness that excitement is immense. Our approach with Guild Wars 3 is to push MMORPGs forward, to create an online game world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while at the same time respecting players' time and providing a positive, supportive space to build community and enjoy new stories in our universe."
Taking place over a thousand years before the events of the original game, Guild Wars 3 is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, a vast wilderness frontier imbued with the world's magic. Nature entities with strong connections to the land called Vael spirits embody the vitality of this lush, verdant landscape. Various guilds are engaged in conflict over how to protect or exploit the bounty beyond civilization's borders. These multitudinous spirits will vary in size and influence within the ecosystems around them, with the most notable of these being the Seeker. As seen in the trailer, every player's Seeker will serve as a connection to the spirits of Orr and a mount that will carry them on their journeys through the game's open world.
Players will assume the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild of adventurers committed to preserving and protecting both the spirits of the wild and the land of Orr itself. Through the deep character customization and skill-building gameplay the Guild Wars franchise is known for, players will seek adventure and confront danger across this sumptuous, vibrant online world, growing their relationships with the spirits of the wild, the inhabitants of Orr, and other Vaelwarden players.
A combat system designed from the outset to feel great on both a controller and keyboard rewards positioning by emphasizing the joy of movement and momentum. As players seamlessly transition between various movement modes, they can harness their speed and turn it into bigger damage and impact when fighting their foes.
More information about pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027. Guild Wars 3 will be available directly from the developers at GuildWars3.com, and can be wishlisted on Steam and the PlayStation Store beginning today, with more information available at the game's official website.
About the Guild Wars Franchise
Guild Wars is the award-winning, visually stunning MMORPG franchise that originally launched in 2005 on PC. Boasting a timeless art-brought-to-life aesthetic, the epic grandeur of massive role-playing environments, fast-paced action combat, large-scale dynamic events that players tackle together in the open world, team-based competitive player-versus-player battles, and a sprawling fantasy storyline, the series is often proclaimed as having the friendliest player community in gaming. Guild Wars was relaunched as Guild Wars Reforged in 2025 and expanded to mobile devices in 2026. Guild Wars 2® launched in 2012 on PC and quickly earned accolades across the industry, including Time Magazine's 2012 Game of the Year. Unlike most competitors, the franchise has always been playable with no subscription fee required, welcoming over 29 million players across its history.
About ArenaNet
ArenaNet is the developer of the best-selling Guild Wars Reforged and the groundbreaking Guild Wars 2 massively multiplayer online PC role-playing games. The studio's mission is to create innovative online worlds, cultivate a vibrant and engaged global community of players, and to incorporate handcrafted artistry into every aspect of their games. ArenaNet formed in 2000, with press and fans consistently calling Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 two of the best MMOs and RPGs of all time. Based in Bellevue, WA, ArenaNet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean gaming giant NC.
The First Time a Game in the Legendary Franchise Comes to Consoles
BELLEVUE, Wash., June 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Critically-acclaimed game development studio ArenaNet® tonight announced Guild Wars 3™, the third entry in the legendary and beloved Guild Wars® MMORPG franchise and their first new game since 2012. The game will release globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, marking the first time a Guild Wars game will appear on home consoles. The first beta test is scheduled for fall of 2027.
The official debut trailer features the first in-engine gameplay footage and can be viewed HERE. The first concept art and other assets are hosted at the Guild Wars 3 official press kit.
"Guild Wars 3 is a new era not just for ArenaNet and Guild Wars, but also for MMORPGs as a whole," said Colin Johanson, Guild Wars 3 Game Director and ArenaNet Studio Head. "The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences, and the opportunity to harness that excitement is immense. Our approach with Guild Wars 3 is to push MMORPGs forward, to create an online game world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while at the same time respecting players' time and providing a positive, supportive space to build community and enjoy new stories in our universe."
Taking place over a thousand years before the events of the original game, Guild Wars 3 is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, a vast wilderness frontier imbued with the world's magic. Nature entities with strong connections to the land called Vael spirits embody the vitality of this lush, verdant landscape. Various guilds are engaged in conflict over how to protect or exploit the bounty beyond civilization's borders. These multitudinous spirits will vary in size and influence within the ecosystems around them, with the most notable of these being the Seeker. As seen in the trailer, every player's Seeker will serve as a connection to the spirits of Orr and a mount that will carry them on their journeys through the game's open world.
Players will assume the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild of adventurers committed to preserving and protecting both the spirits of the wild and the land of Orr itself. Through the deep character customization and skill-building gameplay the Guild Wars franchise is known for, players will seek adventure and confront danger across this sumptuous, vibrant online world, growing their relationships with the spirits of the wild, the inhabitants of Orr, and other Vaelwarden players.
A combat system designed from the outset to feel great on both a controller and keyboard rewards positioning by emphasizing the joy of movement and momentum. As players seamlessly transition between various movement modes, they can harness their speed and turn it into bigger damage and impact when fighting their foes.
More information about pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027. Guild Wars 3 will be available directly from the developers at GuildWars3.com, and can be wishlisted on Steam and the PlayStation Store beginning today, with more information available at the game's official website.
About the Guild Wars Franchise
Guild Wars is the award-winning, visually stunning MMORPG franchise that originally launched in 2005 on PC. Boasting a timeless art-brought-to-life aesthetic, the epic grandeur of massive role-playing environments, fast-paced action combat, large-scale dynamic events that players tackle together in the open world, team-based competitive player-versus-player battles, and a sprawling fantasy storyline, the series is often proclaimed as having the friendliest player community in gaming. Guild Wars was relaunched as Guild Wars Reforged in 2025 and expanded to mobile devices in 2026. Guild Wars 2® launched in 2012 on PC and quickly earned accolades across the industry, including Time Magazine's 2012 Game of the Year. Unlike most competitors, the franchise has always been playable with no subscription fee required, welcoming over 29 million players across its history.
About ArenaNet
ArenaNet is the developer of the best-selling Guild Wars Reforged and the groundbreaking Guild Wars 2 massively multiplayer online PC role-playing games. The studio's mission is to create innovative online worlds, cultivate a vibrant and engaged global community of players, and to incorporate handcrafted artistry into every aspect of their games. ArenaNet formed in 2000, with press and fans consistently calling Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 two of the best MMOs and RPGs of all time. Based in Bellevue, WA, ArenaNet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean gaming giant NC.
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Guild Wars 3, Modern Evolution of the MMORPG, Announced at Summer Game Fest for PC and PlayStation 5
