Cover With a comprehensive health plan, Orr ensures the longevity of his football career—and his future well-being (Photo: Karl Lam / Tatler Hong Kong)
With a comprehensive health plan, Orr ensures the longevity of his football career—and his future well-being (Photo: Karl Lam / Tatler Hong Kong)
1 / 1
Tatler+
How the professional athlete is ensuring longevity—on and off the pitch
Younger generations are increasingly aware that taking a proactive approach to their well-being can empower them to fulfil their ambitions and safeguard their long-term health. This is especially important for athletes like Hong Kong’s footballer Matt Orr, whose careers are premised on always being in peak condition.
With the physical stress athletes constantly experience, it’s imperative for them to have far more pre-emptive medical tests than the average person. “I tend to have frequent check-ups to make sure my body is in the condition it needs to be in to get the best performance on the pitch,” says Orr. “I need to know if there is anything that isn’t functioning as it should, and how I can improve my body.” This is in addition to maintaining optimal health and physical condition and as preventive health measures.
Above (Video: Handl)
It’s not just an athlete’s physical well-being that needs nurturing, though. Especially for those playing at the highest levels, the demands and stresses of the job can be arduous to the point of being overwhelming. That’s why access to mental health resources is a vital tool in their arsenal, helping them maintain the mental strength required to perform at their best. “As footballers, we are constantly dealing with external and internal pressures that can be a lot, and having a professional to talk to can be extremely useful,” says Orr.
While some employees might have group medical insurance coverage, many athletes need to take personal responsibility for their health plans and medical protection. For Orr, this meant looking for comprehensive coverage to give him exactly the type of healthcare he needs.
Above Footballer Matt Orr (Photo: Karl Lam / Tatler Hong Kong)
Above As a professional athlete, Orr takes personal responsibility for his health plan and medical protection (Photo: Karl Lam / Tatler Hong Kong)
Footballer Matt Orr (Photo: Karl Lam / Tatler Hong Kong)
1 / 2
“As a professional athlete, any illness or condition will impact my performance and ability to play,” he says. “In the event of sickness or injury, I need to have access to medical advice from renowned medical professionals and the best treatment available, so I can get back to the condition I need to be in to compete—both locally and globally, as my job often involves travelling abroad for competitions and training.”
By focusing on pre-emptive testing, prioritising his mental health and ensuring he has a comprehensive health plan with worldwide coverage, that covers his exact needs, Orr is ensuring the longevity of his football career—and looking after his future well-being.
Credits
Videography: Handl
Producer: Karma Cheung
Styling: Derek Ho
Make-Up: Omix B
Hair: Matt Chiu
Outfit: Nike, Ambush from Farfetch and Ferragamo
Location: Hong Kong Stadium
