In recognition of the recent accomplishments of six Asian Games medallists, Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), presented them today (4 September) with a Letter of Appreciation. The three gold medallists were Leo Au Chun-ming (Squash), Eric Kwok Pak-nga (Rugby), and Shek Wai-hung (Gymnastics); and the three bronze medallists were  Chau Yee-ping (Rowing),  Choi Wan-yu (Karate) and Li Ching-wan (Table tennis).

Among the athletes who represented Hong Kong in the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, 46 are EdUHK undergraduates or graduates. Leo Au Chun-ming, Shek Wai-hung and Sarah Lee Wai-sze (Cycling) won a total of five gold medals (out of eight medals won by the entire Hong Kong team). Together with four silver medals and four bronze medals, EdUHK elite athletes won a total of 13 medals for Hong Kong at this year’s Asian Games.

Professor Cheung expressed his delight at their triumphant return: “It goes without saying that behind their glory are blood, sweat and tears. And despite their demanding and intensive training, they have continued with their studies at EdUHK. With such extraordinary perseverance, they have set great examples for us all. EdUHK will continue to deepen our collaboration with the Hong Kong Sports Institute to offer university education for Hong Kong’s elite athletes.”

On the same occasion, Dr Ada Ma Wai-wing, Head of the Department of Health and Physical Education at EdUHK, announced the establishment of the EdUHK Postgraduate Degree Programme Scholarship for Elite Athletes. Leo Au was presented with the scholarship at the event, which will support his further studies in a Master’s or Doctoral programme at EdUHK in the future.

In 2014, EdUHK signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hong Kong Sports Institute to enhance collaboration and foster dual career pathways for elite athletes. Apart from providing elite athletes with the opportunities to pursue Bachelor’s programmes, EdUHK offers Master’s, Doctoral and other professional development programmes that cater for both their professional and academic needs.  

Committed to diversifying career pathways for local athletes, EdUHK has admitted 74 elite athletes since 2010.

Appendix 1:   Biographies of the athletes (Chinese only)
Appendix 2:   List of EdUHK’s 2018 Asian Games medallists (Chinese only)