MoU signed between EdUHK and HKJC to admit jockeys into the BHE programme
Representatives of EdUHK and HKJC sign the MOU at the signing ceremony. From left to right: EdUHK Vice President (Academic) and Provost Professor John Lee Chi-kin; President Professor Stephen Cheung; Dr Andy Tse Choi-yeung, Acting Head of the Department of Health and Physical Education at EdUHK; Ms Amy Chan Lim-chee, HKJC’s Racing Talent Training Centre Executive Manager and Headmistress of Apprentice Jockeys’ School; HKJC Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; and HKJC Director of Racing Product, Marketing and Sponsorship Mr William Nader. (Photo credit: HKJC)
Jockey Derek Leung will commence his studies in the 2022/23 academic year. (Photo credit: HKJC)
In line with The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)’s unwavering commitment to provide talented athletes with the opportunity to pursue university studies, EdUHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) regarding the provision of university education for home-grown jockeys on 5 June 2022.
The MoU stated that the University will admit jockeys nominated by HKJC to the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) (BHE) programme. EdUHK President Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung said, “Like all professional athletes, jockeys possess the much-valued attributes of commitment, perseverance and self-enhancement. Under the new agreement with the Jockey Club, we are pleased to provide jockeys with university education, which enables them to open up multiple pathways while continuing their training and racing commitments.”
Under the flexible admission scheme, current jockeys Derek Leung Ka-chun, Jack Wong Ho-nam and Keith Yeung Ming-lun will commence their studies in the 2022/23 academic year.
The University will facilitate their studies through flexible learning arrangements, including the provision of online courses and special allowances for taking leave, so that the athletes can continue their vigorous training for races while pursuing their academic studies.
Derek Leung began his studies at HKJC’s Racing Talent Training Centre in 2004. He said, “Keeping our weight in check and being physically fit are basic requirements we need to meet as jockeys. That being said, it isn’t sustainable to keep using extreme methods to lose weight. The BHE programme includes courses on nutrition studies, mental therapy and pain education, which can help us as jockeys to protect our bodies and avoid overstraining our muscles. It also strengthens and prepares us mentally to win races.”
The MoU was signed by Dr Andy Tse Choi-yeung, Acting Head of the Department of Health and Physical Education at EdUHK, and Ms Amy Chan Lim-chee, HKJC’s Racing Talent Training Centre Executive Manager and Headmistress of Apprentice Jockeys’ School. The signatures were witnessed by EdUHK President Professor Stephen Cheung; EdUHK Vice President (Academic) and Provost Professor John Lee Chi-kin; HKJC Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; and HKJC Director of Racing Product, Marketing and Sponsorship Mr William Nader.
