The University of Hong Kong (HKU) launched the pilot programme – “HKU Cares” Student Sports Ambassadors in the third quarter of 2023, recruiting HKU students to serve as sports ambassadors after training, designing, and leading physical activities for the elderly, to promote healthy ageing and enhance community connections.
HKU organised six “HKU Cares” elderly wellness classes in Kennedy Town from October to November 2023. Over a dozen HKU students from various backgrounds, including undergraduate and doctoral students in education, medicine, nursing, science, and social work, received basic training in sports science, human anatomy, and physical fitness under the guidance of professional coaches. Through resistance band exercises led by student sports ambassadors and group activities such as pickleball, the programme deepened the relationship between HKU and the community.
The programme was co-organised by the Communications and Public Affairs Office and the Centre for Sports and Exercise (CSE) of HKU, with support from the Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kan Community Centre and the Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China. On November 22, 2023, the University held the “HKU Cares” Community Sports Fun Day and Student Sports Ambassador Recognition Ceremony at the Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kan Community Centre. Over 60 seniors participated in fitness exercises and experienced emerging sports accompanied by HKU students.
Two student sports ambassadors shared their thoughts at the ceremony. Chen Siyu, a third-year PhD student in epidemiology from Mainland China, said: “Exercise not only helps seniors improve their physical function but also enhances their mental health by promoting interpersonal relationships.” Her experience accompanying seniors in exercise deepened her passion for public health and gerontology research.
Tom Leung, a fifth-year undergraduate majoring in food and nutritional sciences, has always participated in community services for the elderly. He said that the “HKU Cares” programme allowed him to apply his professional knowledge in serving the community. “From designing exercise plans to providing dietary advice, being a student sports ambassador allowed me to practise and hone my professional skills.”
HKU has always been actively serving the community. In addition to providing state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, the University is committed to giving back to the community through its ongoing Pokfield Road Campus development, creating a sustainable, green campus to enhance the overall pedestrian environment.
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About “HKU Cares” Student Sports Ambassador Pilot Programme
“HKU Cares” aims to train HKU students as sports ambassadors to lead tailored physical activities for seniors in the Pok Fu Lam community, enhancing their physical and mental health status and social connections, and promoting healthy ageing and intergenerational inclusion. For more information about the programme, please visit: https://go.hku.hk/hkucares_sports
