Bringing out the full potential of PolyU sportsmen
PolyU first water polo team makes its mark in inter-collegiate competitions
PolyU has a fine tradition in nurturing student-athletes and helping them excel in both sports and academic achievements. For over 20 years, PolyU has been home to many elite sportsmen in Hong Kong. Through the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme launched in 1998, PolyU has to-date admitted over 1,000 elite athletes into the University which tops among local institutions in Hong Kong. These student-athletes shine in many local and international competitions, bringing back glories to Hong Kong. At PolyU, they act as role models in promoting sports culture and all-round development.
PolyU has a well-formulated “sports for all” plan to help students achieve physical, emotional and social well-being. Participation in sports is highly encouraged at PolyU, not only among elite sportsmen but also other students, as part of whole-person education. Students are offered ample opportunities to cultivate their interest and develop their talents in a wide range of sports. The latest addition is Water Polo.
Through the support of a generous donation from the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, PolyU’s first-ever water polo team was established in the 2017/18 academic year.
“This donation has fulfilled a dream that I’ve had ever since I was a student at PolyU – help PolyU to develop a water polo team”, said Ronald Po Yue-kai, team coach. “I’m extremely grateful. This is the biggest gift I’ve ever received.”
The man behind the donation, Dr David Mong, Chairman of the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, is a sports lover. He is also President of the Pacers Athletics Club, which nurtures young athletes by offering training and organising athletic events. An avid marathoner, Dr Mong believes in the value of sports for cultivating stamina, and he is also a big fan of water polo. With his support through the Charity Fund, the PolyU Water Polo Team was officially formed in November 2017.
“I am thankful for the donation from Dr Mong and proud of the opportunity to help develop the PolyU Water Polo Team”, said Chan Sze-ting, the team manager. “Through our efforts and this generous support, we will see water polo shine in Hong Kong.”
Since the team’s formation, members have been undergoing a year-round training schedule with two regular weekly training sessions. They also had the opportunity to attend an intensive 5-day-4-night training camp at the National University of Singapore in September 2018, which was effective in building their cohesion and skills.
“I am grateful and honoured to have received the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Sports Scholarship”, said team member Ko Ho-wai. “I am motivated to strive for the best, to represent Hong Kong and to equip myself for the future.”
The team has been an active participant in local inter-collegiate competitions and already has remarkable achievements. It earned 6th place in the Panasonic USFHK (University Sports Federation of Hong Kong) Men’s Water Polo Championship in 2017/18 and improved to become 1st runner-up in 2018/19.
PolyU has 34 sports teams, which are having success in many areas. In the USFHK Inter-Collegiate Competitions 2019, PolyU sports teams won 13 out of 32 games and took both the Overall Men’s and Women’s Championships for the second year in a row.
In addition, 11 student athletes were named USFHK Most Valuable Players, including the Butterfly Queen, Chan Kin-lok, who earned the title of Sportswoman of the Year. The University held a prize presentation ceremony to recognise the remarkable achievements of these elite athletes.
Your support makes it possible for PolyU student athletes to pursue their dreams and to enhance students’ well-being through participation in sports. Make a gift now.
Publishing date: December 2019
