Last month, the “PolyU Alumni Sports and Wellness Day” electrified the PolyU campus, highlighting the vital role of sports and wellness in fostering community spirit and promoting healthy lifestyles among alumni and students alike. Over 3,300 alumni, friends, family, staff, and students gathered for a thrilling day of sports, health technologies, and dynamic activities. With a live-streamed kick-off ceremony and futsal match attracting over 21,000 views, the excitement was palpable.

The day launched with an energetic ceremony at the Wong Man and Tang Kit Wah Global Student Hub, featuring vibrant breakdancing and beatboxing performances. President Professor Jin-Guang Teng welcomed attendees, celebrating the event’s special significance, coinciding with the historic co-hosting of the National Games by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Other attendees at the ceremony included representatives from the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations, the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Association, local alumni associations, Mainland alumni networks, and alumni interest clubs, as well as special guest Ms Wang Xin, former Olympic diving gold medallist and current PhD student at PolyU, who inspired the crowd alongside student athletes during a symbolic relay race, igniting the festivities with a torch-lighting ceremony.

The campus buzzed with activity, where participants explored new sports and over 1,000 signed up for experience classes in floor curling, flyball, and pickleball. Families enjoyed the Mini Olympics, complete with obstacle courses and virtual golf challenges, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

A highlight was the showcase of innovative sports and health technologies from Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), where attendees experienced advanced functional sportswear and interactive tools like AR eye coordination and gait analysis, offering a glimpse into the University’s cutting-edge research.

Five engaging health and wellness workshops drew nearly 600 registrants, with expert alumni leading sessions on stress management, mind-body exercises, and sports vision training. Mass yoga sessions provided a peaceful retreat for participants. Additionally, alumni who represented Hong Kong in the 15th National Games shared their insightful journeys as orienteering and Chinese wrestling athletes.

The day culminated in exhilarating matches, where over a hundred alumni displayed sportsmanship in badminton, table tennis, and futsal. Exciting matches featured football teams from various alumni associations of PolyU, with the tournament concluding with a friendly match involving the Fei Yang alumni football team, led by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, alongside the Electrical Engineering Alumni Association of PolyU and the HK PolyU MBA Alumni Association, captivating the crowd and receiving enthusiastic applause.

The prize presentation celebrated winners from various sports and the “PolyU Alumni Virtual Run”, which connected 200 alumni globally, symbolising community unity. As the day concluded, attendees left with commemorative gifts and cherished memories, eagerly anticipating future reunions.