News

The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) welcomes the new initiative from the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions that continued and enhanced support will be provided to facilitate current and retired elite athletes studying at university. The UGC-funded Institutions will also recognise elite athlete nominations from the HKSI for consideration of admission.

Under the new measures which will come into effect from the 2008/09 academic year, elite athletes will be able to defer commencement of their studies, and extend the period of study. They will be granted leave as necessary for sport training and competition. In addition, special arrangements and mentorship schemes will assist them to successfully complete, and benefit from their university studies.

The Chairman of the HKSI, Dr Eric Li welcomed the new initiatives. "I hope that this will encourage more parents and their athletically gifted children to consider a career in elite sport, knowing that their academic development needs will be effectively supported, when necessary by the UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong," said Dr Li.

The Chief Executive of the HKSI, Dr Trisha Leahy, also praised the initiative as directly meeting the special needs of elite athletes whose giftedness in sports requires full-time training, within a very time-limited period in order to realise the goal of world-class excellence. "Our elite athletes will certainly welcome the added sense of security that this new initiative provides in planning for their future."

Young squash player Au Wing-chi, who is attempting the Advanced Level Examination to enter university through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS), is pleased to learn about the initiative. "It will definitely provide more opportunities for elite athletes to enter into universities," said Au.

Squash athlete Lee Ho Yin, expressed delight at the new initiative saying, "It's good to know that the UGC institutions are recognising that we need to train full-time, and will support elite athletes so that we don't have to sacrifice our academic development".