For retired triathlete Samuel Leung, a project to promote a sporting culture in schools gives him the opportunity to gain sports-related work experience while training students and helping to identify and develop potential sports talent.
The 31-year-old used to represent Hong Kong in triathlons – gruelling endurance events that combine cycling, swimming and running – in Taiwan, the Philippines, the All China Games and the Asian and World Triathlon Championships. When he retired in 2010, he coached triathletes for the Hong Kong National Team and worked at a fitness centre. When the School Sports Programme Coordinator Pilot Scheme launched in September, 2012, Mr Leung became one of more than 10 retired athletes to take part in the three-year project.
As School Sports Programme Coordinator for Chinese YMCA College in Ma On Shan, Mr Leung has introduced five new sports to the school, including cycling, rowing, rugby, netball and the triathlon. He also helped set up 14 school teams. The school has since won silver at inter-school rowing competitions and a shield at rugby competitions.
Mr Leung is elated to witness how sports participation can transform a student.
“Some students just like staying at home. But once they start playing sports, they become happier, more positive, more confident, and are able to make new friends.”
Workout buddy
Secondary four student Bee Chan is a standout example. At 98 kilograms, he felt distanced from other students. Mr Leung reached out, to suggest changes to his diet and a rigorous workout plan including running, push-ups and sit-ups. Bee accepted the challenge, and in nine months shed more than 31kg.
“In the past, I was a loner. Now, I am willing to communicate more with people. I am happier and more confident. It was quite hard for me when I started the sports programme, but I never gave up, just like Samuel who persevered when training for triathlons,” Bee said.
Philip Leung, another secondary four student, had originally trained for the triathlon, but switched to cycling on Mr Leung’s advice.
“Samuel told me that I have too much muscle in my lower body which can be a burden when running. He suggested I try competing in short distance cycling because I was such an explosive sprinter.”
Philip was selected for the Hong Kong Cycling Team last year, and took home silver from the China Junior Cycling Championships Road Competition in October. The win helped him realise that he wanted to become an elite athlete.
“Many teenagers have sports potential, they just don’t know it. I used to be a coach. I met a lot of teenagers and found it easy to tap their potential. As a coordinator, I aim to elevate students with potential, so they can find a long-term goal to develop,” Mr Leung said.
Life after sport
As a sports coordinator, he earns less than a coach. But he insists he does it for the job satisfaction, not the money.
“I have more of an understanding of the school environment and get to work with different people. When I was an athlete in competition, I spent most of my time training and studies took a back seat. This scheme has encouraged me to study again.”
While working as a sports coordinator, Mr Leung has attained a Bachelor of Health Education degree from the Hong Kong Institute of Education and a Personal Trainer programme certificate. He is now studying for a Professional Diploma in Leisure, Recreation & Sports Administration which he will finish in July, and plans to join the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme at the Hong Kong Institute of Education in September, with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher.
A lending hand
The Home Affairs Bureau and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department co-organise the School Sports Programme Coordinator Pilot Scheme, in partnership with the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Sports Institute.
The scheme is open to all government and aided secondary schools. Each participating school receives a maximum subvention of $300,000 per year from the Arts & Sports Development Fund to employ a retired athlete as a coordinator, buy training equipment, introduce new sports programmes and organise sports activities.
Chinese YMCA College used its subsidy to buy 22 bicycles, a rowing machine, 21 sets of weights and other equipment.
For School Principal CK Lin, the programme delivered much more than he had expected.
“Samuel has brought his professional training to us. He started fitness classes for our staff and students. Some overweight students have become fitter and happier. He is also a role model who teaches our students that sport can be a career path,” Mr Lin said.
Retired athletes with a secondary level education who have received at least two years’ training with a Hong Kong National Team and have represented Hong Kong in international competitions can apply to become sports coordinators.
A new round of the scheme will kick off in September, and the school quota will rise from 15 to 18, chosen by ballot. The maximum subvention for each school will increase to $350,000 a year. Pay will rise for the coordinators to $16,000 for a new recruit, and $18,000 for a serving coordinator.
