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Cycling is not only a popular leisure activity among the general public, but also a competitive sport. The Hong Kong Cycling Team has achieved great results in domestic and international competitions, in which former head coach Shen Jinkang has played an integral role.

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) today (19 April) conferred an Honorary Professorship on Dr Shen Jinkang, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the development of sport in general and cycling in particular.

Officiating at the ceremony were EdUHK Deputy Council Chairman Dr Terence Chan Ho-wah and President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin. EdUHK senior management, the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China Limited (CAHK) Chairman Mr Leung Hung-tak,  Hong Kong Sport Institute High Performance Administration Manager Mr Samuel Chan and Hong Kong Cycling Team also attended the ceremony.

Professor Shen became Head Coach of the Hong Kong Cycling Team in 1994 and retired at the end of last year, with many outstanding cyclists having been trained during his tenure. As an Honorary Professor of EdUHK, Professor Shen will share his wisdom, valuable experience and professional knowledge to EdUHK staff and students.

Dr Chan said, “As a coach, Professor Shen has an unparalleled passion for cycling. He has nurtured generations of determined and competitive cyclists for both the nation and Hong Kong, which leads him to become a role model for students and individuals in society. We hope that everyone can learn proactively, and contribute to the country and society as he does.”

EdUHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CAHK on the same occasion to encourage healthy and safe exercising habits and further develop the sport and its culture in Hong Kong. The pair will collaborate to promote cycling, including the development of a ‘Train the Trainer Programme’ to enable EdUHK students to acquire knowledge and skills in teaching cycling and also to deepen public awareness of safety. They also plan to assist in organising cycling e-sports competitions, attracting more students and youths to participate in cycling through a diversified network of activities.

Under the framework of the MoU, CAHK will offer internship opportunities for EdUHK students from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Coaching programme.

Mr Leung expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Professor Shen. He said, “We firmly believe that the collaboration between both parties will have a positive impact on and bring great benefit to the development of cycling in Hong Kong. For sport to have a solid foundation, it is crucial to begin in school, enabling children to be immersed in a sporting environment. A coach’s training is as important as research conducted by universities.”

Professor Lee said, “As an Elite Athlete friendly university, it is our pleasure to have former head coach Shen Jinkang as our Honorary Professor and the support from CAHK on its professional training resources. With EdUHK’s school cooperation network, we hope the University, schools, and society will move towards the goal of promoting cycling as a sport of leisure activity.”

Since 2010, approximately 20 members of the Hong Kong Cycling Team have enrolled at EdUHK, and currently, there are a total of 9 active cycling team members studying at EdUHK.