Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) recently completed the second "HKU Cares" Student Sports Ambassador programme and hosted the "HKU Cares" 2024-25 Community Fun Day and Student Sports Ambassador Recognition Ceremony on January 13, drew over 50 elderly participants from Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun.

The event, held at the Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre, was co-organised by the HKU Centre for Sports and Exercise (HKU CSE), the Community Centre, and the Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China. This year's "HKU Cares" programme included training from social workers from Caritas and master coaches from the "Project GrandMove" under HKU Sau Po Centre on Ageing. Their insights into the psychological needs and communication strategies for older individuals helped to promote empathy and intergenerational understanding.

HKU Student Sports Ambassadors accompanied the seniors who enthusiastically participated in emerging sports such as pickleball, flipball, and cornhole. They also took part in physical fitness tests, creating a lively atmosphere at the Community Fun Day.

Kenneth YAM, a Year 1 Master of Science (Technology, Design and Leadership for Learning) student and one of the Student Sports Ambassadors, reflected that the programme integrates knowledge with practical experience, serving the community while contributing to his personal growth. He remarked that this experience supports his aspirations to become a better educator. 

Sharon LI, Team Leader of the Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre, noted that while Hong Kong’s life expectancy continues to rise, physical and mental health are critical to improving the elderly’s quality of life. She commended HKU students for their attentive companionship during the fitness sessions, encouraging seniors to stay active.  

YIP Wing-choy, the Chairperson of the Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China shared his hope to promote emerging sports via HKU Cares, allowing seniors to find joy and sense of achievement through sustained participation. 

The trainer of the Student Sports Ambassadors, HKU CSE instructor Wilson YEUNG, emphasised that mental health is just as important as physical health. The "HKU Cares" initiative aligns with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) three dimensions of health: physical, mental, and social well-being.  

The “HKU Cares” programme successfully conducted eight fitness classes for the elderly in Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun from the third quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025. To support the elderly in maintaining their exercise routines at home, the 2024 team aided in creating a specialised fitness guidebook. The digital guidebook is available for download at https://go.hku.hk/hkucares_sports.  

Looking ahead, "HKU Cares" will explore further opportunities for district collaborations to strengthen connections between HKU and the community, fostering inclusiveness and positive social impact. 

About “HKU Cares” Student Sports Ambassador Programme 
HKU has a longstanding commitment to nurturing close ties with the local community, benefiting the neighbourhood through the development of the Pokfield Campus. Launched in 2023 by the HKU Communications and Public Affairs Office, "HKU Cares" aspires to achieve the vision of "Connect, Inspire, and Empower" through community engagement. The programme combines professionally designed courses with student-led initiatives, training HKU students to become Sports Ambassadors who guide elderly participants in fitness activities and promote active ageing.

As of January 2025, “HKU Cares” has trained nearly 40 student ambassadors from over 25 academic disciplines, serving more than 500 elderly residents from Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun. For more information, please visit https://go.hku.hk/hkucares_sports.