03 Feb 2025
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) recently concluded its second "HKU Cares" Student Sports Ambassador programme and hosted the "HKU Cares" 2024-25 Community Fun Day and Student Sports Ambassador Recognition Ceremony on January 13, drawing over 50 elderly participants from Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun. The event, held at the Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre, was co-organized by HKU Centre for Sports and Exercise (HKU CSE), the Community Centre, and the Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China.
This year's programme included training from social workers and master coaches, focusing on the psychological needs of older individuals, promoting empathy and intergenerational understanding. Student Sports Ambassadors engaged seniors in sports like pickleball, flipball, and cornhole, and conducted physical fitness tests.
From the third quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, the programme offered eight fitness classes for the elderly and developed a specialized fitness guidebook, available online. "HKU Cares" aims to further district collaborations to enhance community connections and foster inclusiveness.
Launched in 2023, the "HKU Cares" programme trains HKU students as Sports Ambassadors to guide elderly participants in fitness activities, promoting active ageing. By January 2025, the programme had trained nearly 40 student ambassadors from over 25 disciplines, serving over 500 elderly residents. More information can be found at HKU Cares Sports.