News

Dr Lam Tai-fai SBS JP, Chairman of the HKSI, expressed his deep appreciation to the University Grants Committee (UGC) for launching the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme today, with HK$100 million reserved for the next three years to strengthen the admission of elite athletes to the UGC-funded universities.

Dr Lam said that the HKSI attaches great importance to whole person development of elite athletes. Since 2014, the HKSI has signed Memoranda of Understanding with eight UGC-funded universities to facilitate dual career pathways in sports and academics for elite athletes, which have achieved significant results. It is believed that more targeted, more personalised and more flexible academic support provided to outstanding athletes through this “Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme” will lead to smoother and more successful athlete dual career pathways. The Scheme would also help universities attract more outstanding athletes.

Dr Trisha Leahy SBS BBS, Chief Executive of the HKSI, said, “We are all delighted and so grateful to UGC for its leadership and vision. This is such a major step forward for athletes’ dual career pathways. We hope all Hong Kong parents realise that being an elite athlete representing Hong Kong with honour comes with the added benefit of a smooth pathway from secondary school through to university, with flexible, individually supported academic development.”

The HKSI will continue to work closely with the UGC-funded universities to provide the most appropriate arrangement on dual career pathways for athletes.