Elite student-athletes and HPE staff enjoy latte art workshop

Elite student-athletes admitted to EdUHK often need to spend long hours receiving training at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and representing Hong Kong in various international competitions. The busy training and competition schedule leaves them little time to interact with the faculty after attending classes at the University. The Elite Athlete Development team of the University organised a latte art workshop in June to provide an opportunity for elite athletes and academic and administrative staff members from the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) to mingle and build relationships through learning about latte art.

The latte art class was divided into pairs, with each being taught directly by an experienced barista. The barista not only taught them how to apply techniques such as stamping on a portafilter and frothing milk when making different motifs and patterns, but also delivered a short lecture about the science behind latte art. Even though most of the student-athletes and staff members had zero or little knowledge about the art, they managed to pour foundation motifs, such as hearts or rosettes, on their lattes following the patient coaching of the barista.

 “University education provides not just an opportunity for students to advance their academic learning, but also many fun activities through which students can make new friends and grow together through other interests. The workshop was a huge success, creating memorable times for students and staff members as they gathered and built bonds through a shared interest together. From the interactions between participants, I can see they really enjoyed the get-together,” said Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak, Senior Lecturer I and Associate Head of HPE.

The University Grants Committee (UGC) launched the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA Scheme) in 2022 to facilitate the admissions of outstanding Hong Kong athletes who aspire to pursue dual-track career developments in one of the eight UGC-funded universities. Besides admissions support, the scheme provides personalised learning support for athletes as well. Dr Louie thanked the SALSA Scheme for supporting the latte art workshop, which was organised as a part of ongoing efforts to help student-athletes to adapt to their lives at EdUHK.

 “Coming together in a fun and convivial environment, all participants enjoyed connecting and interacting with one another. It helped build friendships and fostered a sense of community between elite athletes and HPE staff. The workshop demonstrated that we not only care about their academic learning, but also strive to provide opportunities for our students to have more rounded experiences,” Dr Gary Chow Chi-ching, Assistant Professor from HPE, said.

“Thanks to HPE for organising the workshop. All student-athletes enjoyed the time connecting with HPE staff very much. We hope that the relationships formed during the workshop will continue to grow and thrive in the future. We look forward to participating in activities organised for elite athletes going forward,” Wong Kam-po said. The Hong Kong cycling legend, who has graduated from his PGDE programme in August, is one of EdUHK’s “Elite Athlete Friendly University” Ambassadors.