EdUHK Inaugurates the ‘EdUHK Ping Pong @ School Education Programme’ Promoting Primary School Physical Education and Cultural Heritage
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has inaugurated the ‘EdUHK Ping Pong @ School Education Programme’ yesterday (3 July) on its Tai Po campus. The programme is led by Miss Lee Ho-ching, 2020 Olympic bronze medallist in the table tennis women's team event, in collaboration with an experienced coaching team and the EdUHK student team. By giving table tennis lessons to local primary students in schools, the programme aims to cultivate early interest and understanding of the sport through diverse content. The programme is expected to benefit 1,000 students.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Under Secretary for Education, HKSAR Education Bureau, Dr Jeff Sze Chun-fai; EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin; and Chairman of the Hong Kong, China Table Tennis Association (HKTTA), Mr Tony Yue Kwok-leung. Also present to show support were Mr Kong Kwok-lung, Curriculum Development Officer (Physical Education) from the Education Bureau; Dr Tom Fong Wing-ho, Vice President (Administration) of EdUHK; Professor Amy Ha Sau-ching, Head of the Department of Health and Physical Education; Dr Carman Leung Ka Man, Associate Head of Department of Health and Physical Education, Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak, senior lecturer of Department of Health and Physical Education.
Professor Lee gave a speech, expressing gratitude to the Education Bureau, the HKTTA, and all partner schools for their strong support. He explained that as an elite athlete-friendly university, EdUHK hoped to bring the joy of table tennis into schools by arranging visits from professional athletes and coaches. Through interactive teaching, cultural lectures, and practical experiences, the programme promotes educational innovation, and aims to deepen understanding of China’s sports culture and foster cultural confidence among students. “We would like to introduce the fun of table tennis into schools, encourage more students to enjoy sports, and help them realise the values of unity, perseverance, and self-confidence,” he added.
Dr Sze said that table tennis is China’s national sport and has long been popular. He also highlighted the upcoming 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao this November. This will be the first time Hong Kong hosts this top-level and largest national multi-sport event. He added that initiating this programme in such a significant year was very encouraging.
The kick-off ceremony included a dialogue moderated by Dr Louie, featuring insights from Mr Yue and the programme’s head coach Miss Lee. Dr Louie explained that table tennis was not only a competitive sport but also an important part of Hong Kong’s physical education curriculum, contributing to the physical and mental development of young people. As an elite athlete and EdUHK graduate, now serving as an Assistant Project Manager in the President’s Office, Miss Lee expressed her honour in participating in the planning of this programme. She said she hoped that through this programme, more children would be introduced to table tennis and develop a lifelong hobby.
During the interactive segment, Dr Sze and Dr Fong demonstrated their skills by playing a rally with Miss Lee, showcasing the enthusiasm of educators and professionalism of a top athlete. The lively atmosphere engaged both guests and students, showing a perfect blend of sportsmanship and educational values.
Organised and coordinated by EdUHK, the ‘Table Tennis Player School Visit x EdUHK Ping Pong @ School Education Programme’ will run from July 2025 to July 2026. The first phase will provide in-school experience classes to 35 primary schools. Courses include basic techniques, fun interactive games, and sharing of China’s national sport culture, to promote Hong Kong youths’ love for table tennis and appreciation of national cultural heritage.
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