The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and Caritas Institute of Higher Education (CIHE), Caritas Bianchi College of Careers (CBCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Hong Kong Athletes Education Programme today (19 September 2023) to support athletes in academic and sports development. This partnership will provide all-round learning opportunities to the members of Hong Kong Athletes Career and Education Department (HKACED) under SF&OC by offering flexible admission arrangements and scholarship. The MOU was signed by Mr. Timothy FOK, President of SF&OC, and Dr. Kim MAK, President of CIHE & CBCC .

In his address, Mr. Timothy FOK said, “Athletes have sacrificed much of their time in studying to represent Hong Kong, China in pursuing excellence in international competitions. SF&OC has been committed to formulating a diversified education and employment support scheme, which offers athletes a wide range of training and development opportunities.” He expressed gratitude to CIHE and CBCC for signing the MOU with SF&OC, after the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, in support of athletes in their transformation and contribution to society. He added that SF&OC is looking forward to further cooperation with CIHE & CBCC.

Dr. MAK said, “Hong Kong athletes have devoted their prime time to sports. CIHE and CBCC are delighted to support and assist athletes who are interested in applying, such as providing them with academic support and course adjustments. By signing the MOU, more athletes will join CIHE and CBCC. We will ensure that applying athletes will have interview opportunities, and scholarship will also be provided to them.”

MA Hei Yu, a member of the Hong Kong Karate Team and a Year 3 student of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy at CIHE, said, “I suffered from injuries during practice. The incident had inspired my aspirations in becoming a physiotherapist. By sharing my experiences, I hope I can provide support for athletes to deal with their injuries. Being a student-athlete, I have to balance the time spent on competitions, training and studying. I am grateful to CIHE for providing me with academic support and course adjustments, such as allowing flexibility in submitting my assignments. Moreover, when I am unable to attend classes due to competitions, my classmates help me record the lectures, which allows me to replay at a later time.”

Through the partnership, SF&OC will nominate eligible athletes for admission to CIHE & CBCC’s programmes in different faculties in each academic year. HKACED will also offer various support to student-athletes, including scholarships, consultation and life skills training programmes, to enhance athletes’ competitiveness in the job market. In addition, CIHE and CBCC will offer exclusive scholarship for HKACED members to encourage athletes to pursue continuing education. CIHE and CBCC are committed to cultivating and equipping students through practical means by setting up simulation rooms for various subjects, including Early Childhood Education, Physiotherapy, Nursing and Pharmacy. It allows students to get familiar with a workplace environment and feel better able to enter the workforce.