A. Kwok Sports Aerodynamics Science Initiative: HKUST & HKSI Join Hands to Enhance Performance of Cycling Team
Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) Executive Director Mr. Adam KWOK Kai-Fai will donate HK$6 million to the Sports Aerodynamics Science Initiative Project launched by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to help enhance elite cyclists’ performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Mr. Adam Kwok, Executive Director of SHKP, Dr. Trisha LEAHY, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), and Prof. ZHANG Xin, Chair Professor of Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of HKUST, signed an agreement to kick off the “A. Kwok Sports Aerodynamics Science Initiative” today, under the witness of Mr. YEUNG Tak-Keung, Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Tony CHOI , Deputy Chief Executive, and Dr. Raymond SO, Director of Elite Training Science and Technology, both from the HKSI, Prof. MOK Kwok-Tai, Associate Dean of Engineering (Undergraduate Studies) of HKUST, Mr. LEUNG Hung-Tak, Chairman of the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr. SHEN Jinkang, Head Cycling Coach of the HKSI and LEE Wai-Sze, elite cycling athlete.
Mr. Kwok said, “Following our endeavours in promoting the community-wide SHKP Hong Kong Cyclothon as well as the SHKP Cycling Academy that encourages ‘cycling for all’, I hope to explore more ways to boost the cycling development in Hong Kong. Wong Kam-Po, Jamie Wong, Marco Kwok and Sarah Lee are all living examples that have served as a catalyst for Hong Kong’s cycling development. I’m looking forward to this tripartite cooperation that helps the Hong Kong team scale new heights and make history again!”
Prof. Zhang said the University is happy to contribute to Hong Kong’s sporting arena with technology. “In all top-level competitions, the time difference between medal positions may only be a matter of seconds or milliseconds. Hong Kong’s cycling team is no doubt one of the world’s finest and most accomplished, but a combination of technology and traditional training can help cyclists make small tweaks to their positions in return for crucial gains in time. Many western countries have long resolved to technology to bridge that margin. I hope the advanced technologies at HKUST could help our prized athletes reach their fullest potential.”
Dr. Leahy said, “The application of sports science has become a must-do for all sports powerhouse if they want to stay at the forefront in today’s sports world. I am delighted to see the collaboration today which can further strengthen the scientific support for local elite training, facilitating elite athletes to achieve outstanding achievements in the international arena.”
Coach Shen said, “I am pleased to see the kick off of this tripartite collaboration and hope this can better prepare elite cyclists for the future competitions.” Elite cyclist Lee Wai-Sze echoed, “As an elite athlete, I look forward to seeing the collaboration to help boost my overall performance.”
About the Hong Kong Sports Institute
Guided by the HKSAR Government’s current policy direction, and using its professional expertise in elite sport, the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s (HKSI) (www.hksi.org.hk) vision is to become the region’s elite training systems delivery leader by providing state-of-the-art, evidence-based, elite sports training and athlete support systems resulting in sustainable world-class sports results. As the Government’s designated organization to provide the high performance training system for eligible sports, the HKSI is committed to working in partnership with the Government, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the National Sports Associations to provide an environment in which sports talent can be identified, nurtured, and developed to pursue excellence in the international sporting arena.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is ranked as the world’s best young university in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2018. Its graduates were ranked 16th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global University Employability Survey 2018.
(This news was originally published by the HKUST Public Affairs Office here.)
