Autumn Issue, 2017

Sport builds courage and determination; stamina, endurance and perseverance; positivity and resilience; and upholds the spirit of fair play. HKU Sports Scholars have proved their sporting mettle with encouraging results at local, regional and international competitions. They have also failed but they are never defeated. Their resilience celebrates the values of sportsmanship for Hong Kong and HKU. Yung Kam-wah 翁金驊 (BBA 2001), Sports Scholar 1998 who has been the coach of the HKU Basketball Team for 16 years, says that “ Tears and Glory” is a great phrase that summarises the struggle and happiness shared by HKU athletes. “Three years ago, the HKU Men’s Basketball Team lost to the Polytechnic University team at the Finals of The University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China Limited (USFHK) Basketball Competition. The team had spent a whole year preparing for the game and they were only one step away from achieving their dream. There is no doubt that winning the USFHK Champion is every player’s ultimate goal.” During the game, the team was down the whole time. “But, I could see the fire in every player’s eyes and their desire to win. The team did make a run in the final two minutes and reduced the deficit to two points.” The PolyU team managed to stand until the end. After the game the HKU players were very disappointed, but understood there could be only one winner. As a coach, Yung encouraged the team to move forward and prepare for the following year. “I was simply touched by their tenacity during the game and their maturity following the loss. I am confident that one day the HKU Men’s Basketball Team will pick up the trophy and bring glory to themselves and HKU.” Rainbow Ip 葉穎寶 (BBA(Acc&Fin) student), Sports Scholar 2015, lost at the recent 29 th Summer Universiade in Taipei in August 2017, “I was not performing well and it was painful when I saw my parents’ disappointed faces. I always want to achieve my best but this has become a big obstacle for me. I have to learn how to handle the pressure.” A month later, Rainbow won a silver medal in women’s 100m breaststroke and a gold medal in the women’s 4X100m Medley Relay event with a new Hong Kong record at the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games Ashgabat 2017. “I want to thank my parents, coaches, teammates and the HKU community for their support and guidance in times of success and failure.” Two-time Olympic swimmer, Elaine Chan 陳宇寧 (BEcon&Fin 2010), Sports Scholar 2007 and Sportswoman 2008, faced massive criticism after the Athens Olympics where she performed poorly. “ I felt terrible! But the experience was not entirely a failure to me. Anyone who has played a sport knows the thrill of victory, and the bitterness of defeat. But that which can be gained from participation: motivation, discipline, teamwork, fair play, self-esteem and prowess, makes the experience and journey worthwhile, and can sustain one through life’s challenges. Together, these qualities form the basis of the ethos of sport. 49 Cover Story