Gold medals and degrees: EdUHK athletes graduate with flying colours!

The University appointed two elite athletes – table tennis player Ms Lee Ho-ching and cyclist Ms Boey Leung Bo-yee — as its “Elite Athlete Friendly University” Ambassadors in November. The two elite athletes from the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) programmes will serve as role models for athletes aspiring to pursue a dual career pathway that encompasses academic studies while continuing their development in sports. In 2024, a total of 15 elite athletes, all from the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE), graduated from their studies.

Ms Lee Ho-ching is a member of the Hong Kong, China’s table tennis team. She has participated in four Olympic Games and won a bronze medal in the women's team table tennis event at the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021; this was the first-ever Olympic medal for the city’s women’s table tennis team. Ms Boey Leung Bo-yee is a member of Hong Kong, China’s cycling team, having won a bronze medal in the team competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022. Both athletes expressed their delight at being appointed as ambassadors.

“To fulfill my new role, I share a bigger responsibility to promote sports culture in the city. Many secondary school students are under immense pressure due to their studies, and many are addicted to electronic gadgets. I hope engaging in sports activities can alleviate their stress, enhance their physical health, expand their social circles and enable them to lead healthier lives,” Ho-ching said. After completing her studies for the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) programme, the athlete has started studying for the Master of Social Sciences in Sports Coaching and Management at EdUHK in September 2024.

Ho-ching began playing table tennis at an early age, making it a significant part of her life ever since. “Although my parents had high expectations for my academic performance, once they recognised that I could balance my time between sports and studies, they allowed me the freedom to pursue my sporting ambitions. In recent years, I have often been away from home for overseas training sessions and competitions. Whenever I am in Hong Kong, my parents prepare many delicious meals and nutritious soups for me. Their unfaltering support is my greatest source of encouragement,” said the renowned table tennis player.

Bo-yee expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study at EdUHK. “The curriculum I studied was rich and encouraged students to develop problem-solving skills. Through hands-on experience, it not only prepared athletes for their professional careers but also nurtured a lifelong passion for health and education,” she remarked.

The cyclist added that over the past decade, Hong Kong athletes have achieved outstanding results in regional and international competitions, significantly raising the profile of sports in the city. “As a result, Hong Kong people have shown increased attention and appreciation for athletes. This has provided us with more opportunities to share our experiences at primary and secondary schools. I feel very grateful to work together with other athletes to promote a vibrant sports culture and encourage young people to pursue their athletic dreams,” Bo-yee concluded. Chloe Leung Wing-yee, a younger sister of Boey Leung, is also a student in the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) programme and a member of the city’s women’s cycling team.

EdUHK has implemented the Nomination Scheme for Elite Athletes (NSEA) since the 2022/23 academic year to provide student athletes with a platform to be full-time athletes while continuing their academic pursuits. While it is a university-level initiative, the scheme is managed by HPE. Elite student athletes enrolled through this scheme enjoy additional flexibility and support for their learning needs. Including Lee Ho-ching and Leung Bo-yee, there were 15 elite athletes, all from HPE within FLASS, who completed their studies at EdUHK this year.

EdUHK President Professor Lee congratulated all the graduates and offered his blessings. He said, “With rapid technological advancements and an ever-changing society, only continuous and lifelong learning can help us keep pace with the times and adapt to new challenges. I sincerely hope that all graduates can continue demonstrating perseverance and resilience, excel in their respective fields, and contribute to society.”

“Juggling academic schedules with training sessions and competitions is never easy. My heartfelt appreciation goes to these graduates who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to achieve both their academic and sporting goals. Congratulations to all graduating elite athletes on a job well-done,” stated Professor Li Wai-keung, Dean of FLASS.