Autumn Issue, 2017

Many also face the common dilemma of whether they should participate in competitions or internships and overseas exchange programmes, as required by their study programmes. A more flexible curriculum and learning modes would greatly lower the pressure upon them and facilitate their training and preparation for competitions,” said Dr Duncan J Macfarlane , Acting Director of the Centre for Sports and Exercise. “As athletes and university students, Sports Scholars also need special mentoring to help them cope with the pressure and demands they find themselves under,” he mentioned. “Financial support is equally important to Sports Scholars who are less privileged and have no spare time for part-time jobs. The University can also enhance facilities on campus, especially those for physical strength, conditioning and testing, which will also help athletes to meet their goals.” Dr Michael Tse (PhD 2009) , Assistant Director of the Centre for Sports and Exercise and former elite rowing athlete, found a different problem. “HKU athletes, particularly those who have to travel back and forth for daily training at the HKSI, are very time- crunched. Having a food location on campus that serves nutritious foods suitable for athletes, but open to all, would serve the needs of our athletes and also allow other students and staff on campus to experience the kinds of foods athletes eat.” Professor John Spinks , Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Advisor to the President who helped to set up the Sports Scholarship Scheme in 1995, expressed that his main concern for the Sports Scholars was not financial but how to enrich their learning experience and equip them with the skills they will need in their lives beyond those as athletes. “Besides developing Sports Scholars’ horizons in the sporting arena, can we also not enrich their global experience through various exchange programmes with international universities and enhance their university life in terms of their studies and holistic development?” Dr Macfarlane hopes that the Sports Scholarship Scheme can raise awareness in society of the value of sports in young people and that there will be increased support from the University as well as the public, such as developing industry placements and more employment opportunities, which should not only focus on GPA results but also the wider contributions of team-play and leadership of the Sports Scholars. “HKU was the first university in Hong Kong to offer sports scholarships and we are currently planning to update the scheme to continue to demonstrate that we value sporting excellence as well as academic achievement.“ said President Peter Mathieson . “We are delighted to be hosting the University Grants Committee Conference entitled ‘Springboard to Success ─ Balancing University and Elite Sports’ at HKU in November 2017 to highlight international best practices in encouraging and supporting elite sportswomen and men in their university education. We want schoolgirls and boys in Hong Kong that have sporting ability as well as academic excellence to believe that the University sector in Hong Kong will value their sporting potential and support them as they continue to train and compete whilst undertaking tertiary education. No student should be forced to give up their sporting dreams in order to continue pursuing education. HKU believes in all-round education and development, and we value and respect high achievers in all walks of life.” “ HKU believes in all-round education and development, and we value and respect high achievers in all walks of life. We are delighted to be hosting the University Grants Committee Conference entitled ‘Springboard to Success ─ Balancing University and Elite Sports’ at HKU in November 2017 to highlight international best practices in encouraging and supporting elite sportswomen and men in their university education. ” 53 Cover Story