SF&OC Vice-President Kenneth Fok encourages PolyU community to embrace spirit of Olympism and the 15th National Games

With its emphasis on whole-person education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proactively invites accomplished leaders from different sectors to share their stories, encouraging students to unleash their potential and pursue their dreams. Jointly organised by PolyU and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and co-organised by the Hong Kong China Sports Alliance (HKCSA), the “All in All the Way – The Spirit of Olympism and the 15th National Games” under the Dean of Students Talk Series: “Together We Dream, We Fly” was held today. Mr Kenneth FOK, Vice-President of the SF&OC, Chairperson of the Hong Kong, China Olympic Academy and PolyU Council Member, delivered an inspirational talk on his extensive experience in Hong Kong sports development and his hopes for the 15th National Games to be held in November this year, encouraging students to actively participate in and support this major national sporting event.

The event attracted around 200 attendees, including members of the University management, staff and students. With the theme “Fully Supports the 15th National Games – Olympism Education Programme (OEP)”, Mr Fok shared his journey participating in sports development work. He highlighted the commitment to nurturing elite athletes and introduced the OEP which aims to promote the spirit of Olympism. As the 15th National Games is approaching, he remarked that this is the first time the event will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, which is highly significant as it will further promote the integration within the Greater Bay Area.

Mr Fok remarked, “Hong Kong’s sports development has achieved remarkable progress in recent years, thanks to the Government’s continuous support. This has enabled Hong Kong, China athletes to shine on the international competitions. Their confidence and performance are also fueled by the unwavering encouragement from the public. This collective effort to advance sports development is truly invaluable. The 15th National Games to be staged in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, reflects the Nation’s trust in Hong Kong and provides a platform for sports collaboration on a regional level while elevating local sports standards. I hope all Hong Kong citizens will come together to support the Games, participate in various sports activities, and help create a sports extravaganza that belongs to each of us — showcasing Hong Kong’s passion for sports and its solidarity and progress.”

Facilitated by Prof. Horace K. W. MUI, PolyU Interim Dean of Students, Mr Fok engaged in a compelling dialogue with swimmer Ms AU Hoi Shun Stephanie, five-time Olympian and Asian Games medallist, and fencer Mr Nicholas Edward CHOI, London 2012 Olympian and Asian Games medallist, who have both been appointed as inaugural SF&OC “Olympic Ambassadors”. While sharing their personal journeys as professional athletes, they addressed the challenges they had encountered along the way and highlighted the significance of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of sporting dreams.

Prof. Wing-Tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost, said, “We are honoured to have Mr Kenneth Fok, as well as Ms Stephanie Au and Mr Nicholas Choi, share their experiences with us. Mr Fok’s remarkable achievement in the sports sector and in promoting the Olympism, along with the perseverance and passion for sports demonstrated by both athletes, serve as an inspiration for us all in our academic and professional pursuits. PolyU has always supported sports development, and last year our sports team achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the men’s and women’s overall championships in the intercollegiate competitions, marking our seventh consecutive victory. I hope that PolyU athletes and students will continue to uphold the Olympic motto: ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” in striving towards their dreams.”

PolyU is highly supportive of sports development and nurturing elite Hong Kong athletes. It has created a vibrant sports culture on campus and offers various schemes that enable student-athletes to excel in both academic and sporting life. These initiatives include the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme (OSRS), the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA Scheme) and the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS). The University also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Sports Institute on the Elite Athletes Study Programme.

The “Fully Supports the 15th National Games” OEP is organised by SF&OC and co-organised by the Hong Kong China Sports Alliance. The OEP launched in 2005, aims to deepen students’ understanding on Olympism and sports development, while encouraging participation in sports of the public.

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