The SHKP Cycling Academy, set up by The Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China and sponsored by Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), held an inauguration ceremony today for its three training centres.

Founded in September 2018, the SHKP Cycling Academy provides systematic track cycling training for secondary school students. It organizes inter-school competitions to promote cycling in schools and boost young people’s physical fitness and resilience. Talented students are identified and invited to join Hong Kong’s elite cycling training programmes. The academy recently took this idea a step further and set up training centres at The Salvation Army William Booth Secondary School, St. Francis of Assisi's College, and HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No.3 Secondary School.

The ceremony was attended by Caspar Tsui, Secretary for Home Affairs; Zhang Zhihua, Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government; Jeff Sze, Political Assistant to the Secretary for Education; Adam Kwok, SHKP Executive Director; Leung Hung-tak, Chairman of The Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China (CAHK); Stella Lau, Chairperson of the Board of The Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation; Wong Kam-po, Sports Legacy Programme Development Executive; and Sarah Lee, Consultant to the SHKP Cycling Academy.

In his speech, Caspar Tsui pointed out that the SHKP Cycling Academy has done a lot to enhance the development of cycling sports, offering professional training and equipment for secondary school students, and helping identify talented athletes to form the next generation of elite cyclists. The new training centres in the three secondary schools are permanent facilities, which are set to become the cradle for the Hong Kong Cycling Team. He said he was grateful for SHKP’s strong support for the development of sporting activities in schools. 

SHKP Executive Director Adam Kwok explained that there are four steps to the Group’s cycling promotion. First, the Group provides professional equipment to schools and systematic training for students. Second, it helps schools make the most of government and community resources that allow them to upgrade their facilities and equipment. Third, schools are encouraged to form cycling teams and take part in competitions, giving promising students the opportunity to join Hong Kong’s elite cycling training programmes. Fourth, the Group facilitates collaboration between schools and The Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation to hold inter-school track cycling competitions to allow students to get involved in activities outside the classroom.

Adam Kwok added that the country cares about and attaches great importance to the development of sporting activities. As sports represents the country’s strength and dream of national rejuvenation, more efforts should be made to promote sports in schools. This will enable young people to improve their physical wellness and stamina, which are crucial to achieving holistic development. Adam Kwok encouraged the students to exercise more, adding this would help them unleash their potential and contribute to national development. 

According to Leung Hung-tak, more than 150 students obtained a track pass for the Hong Kong Velodrome after receiving track cycling training. He noted that some of them took part in the city’s track cycling races, including the new inter-school competition organized by the CAHK. 

The ceremony also included an exchange of ideas between students and three of the guests: Wong Kam-po, Sara Lee and Adam Kwok. In an Inter-school Exercise Bikes Invitation Game, the guests competed with three students from each of the three participating schools. Another highlight of the day was the naming of Sarah Lee as the consultant to the SHKP Cycling Academy.