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Promoting Physical and Mental Health Through Sports: Embarking on the Journey of Sports Science —  November 2024

Promoting Physical and Mental Health Through Sports: Embarking on the Journey of Sports Science

The Community Engagement Unit (CEU), in collaboration with Department of Sport and Recreation of Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) and Save the Children, held an exciting football invitational tournament titled  “Children Football Tournament” at THEi (Chai Wan) in early November. Thirteen teams composed of children and youth aged 6 to 15 participated, with over 100 players and their families attending. The event aimed to promote physical and mental health while allowing students from the Department of Sport and Recreation to showcase their professional skills and help attendees explore career opportunities related to sports science.

Students of THEi’s Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sport and Recreation Management provided participants with sports therapy and stretching workshops next to the football field. One of the children, who participated in the workshop, said,  “In the stretching workshop, THEi students taught us how to warm up properly before the match to avoid injuries. In the sports therapy workshop, they helped relieve my muscle fatigue after the game by applying just the right amount of pressure. It is really interesting to learn about the profession of sports therapy, as well as how it can help athletes improve their performance.”

Students from THEi’s Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching offered fitness training experiences in the campus gymnasium for players and parents, sharing fitness tips. A participating parent said, “With clear instruction and patient guidance, THEi students ensured the children effectively learned how to use the equipment, greatly enriching their experience.”

Dr Jim LUK, Head of the Department of Sport and Recreation at THEi, stated, “Through this event, students have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice, helping disadvantaged children in the community and promoting their physical and mental health development, allowing them to enjoy the fun that sports bring. At the same time, over 200 children, teenagers, and parents learned about career development in fields such as sports therapy, sports coaching, and fitness training, promoting these sports science-related industries.”

The champions of the junior and senior divisions of the “Children Football Tournament” were “Our Dream Soccer” and “Hong Kong Dragons Football Club”, respectively. The event not only achieved great success, bringing unforgettable memories to the children, but also laid a solid foundation for their physical and mental health and future development.

(Photo 1) Players sweating it out on the field, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the competition

(Photo 2) Students from THEi’s Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports and Recreation Management providing immediate sports therapy to the participating children

(Photo 3) Students from THEi’s Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports Coaching guiding children on proper fitness techniques

(Photo 4) VTC staff and students with the participants of “Children Football Tournament”

Culinary Arts and Soft Meal Development

Soft foods must not only meet international standards but also be visually appealing and flavourful. On 7 November, students and teachers from the Health and Life Sciences Discipline, along with representatives from the Sik Sik Yuen, participated in a culinary exchange workshop at the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) to prepare for the development of new soft food dishes. During the exchange, CCI chefs shared culinary techniques to enhance the flavours of ingredients, providing a tasting session for all participants.

Student Lau remarked, “The teachers and students taught us how to season ingredients like mushrooms and turnips to transform them into delicious dishes, which will be very useful for our upcoming research on soft meal like Buddha Jumps over the Wall.” CCI Programme Manager (Chinese Catering and Operations) Terry LAU encouraged students by stating that once soft meal “Buddha Jumps over the Wall” is successfully developed, they hope to see the smiles of satisfaction on the faces of elderly people enjoying these meals, validating students’ hard work.

Earlier, students from the Health and Life Sciences Discipline also attended a soft meal sharing at the Sik Sik Yuen’s nursing home to learn how the organisation supports elderly residents with swallowing difficulties by preparing appealing soft meal that stimulates their appetites. During the session, the students and staff of Sik Sik Yuen collaborated to make Chinese soft meal rice dumplings and mooncakes.

Last month, during the “Care Food Education & Experience Zone” organised by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and the Patient Resource Centre of Kowloon Central Cluster of Hospital Authority, VTC students conducted a public consultation where “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” received the highest votes, becoming the theme for soft food development this academic year, involving collaboration among CCI, the Health and Life Sciences Discipline, and Sik Sik Yuen.

With interdisciplinary collaboration that combines Chinese culinary techniques, food science knowledge, and support from the social welfare sector, the next phase of developing soft meal “Buddha Jumps over the Wall” would definitely be more delicious—stay tuned!

(Photo 5) During the session, CCI teachers and students showcase their culinary skills, sharing how to enhance the flavours of raw ingredients and allowing everyone to taste the results. 

(Photo 6) CCI teachers and students share seasoning techniques, transforming common ingredients like mushrooms and radishes into delicious dishes.

(Photo 7) In the next phase, the soft meal "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" will be developed collaboratively by CCI and the Health and Life Sciences Discipline, along with Sik Sik Yuen, which is expected to be even more outstanding in terms of flavour.

Global Cuisine, Healthy Living: Showcasing VPET Skills

From 21 to 25 November (Thursday to Monday), CEU collaborated with Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) (Haking Wong), Shine Skills Centre, and students and teachers from the Health and Life Sciences Discipline to participate in the “The 5th Hong Kong Food Fiesta” held at Cheung Sha Wan Playground. There were showcases of various health and food related projects developed by VTC students.

During the event, students from the Higher Diploma in Applied Nutritional Studies engaged attendees with interactive games like “Fat Measurement Station” and “Fishing for Health”, sharing concepts of healthy eating and living by measuring body fat percentages and Body Mass Index (BMI), providing on-the-spot health advice. Student Chan expressed, “I’m happy to share health management knowledge with the community. Many attendees, especially seniors, were eager to hear our nutritional advice, and I hope our sharing will help make their lives healthier.”

Additionally, teachers from Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene used dental models and various dental care tools to teach participants proper dental care techniques, raising public awareness of oral health. Many local residents from Cheung Sha Wan stopped by and listened to their presentations.

Moreover, under the guidance of teachers and students from the Shine Skills Centre, participants decorated cakes, and there were distribution of butter cookies and utensil sets made by Shine students, which were very popular at the event. Students appreciated the opportunity to apply the skills they learned in class to the community.

Other exhibits from IVE (Haking Wong) included “Colourful Cookie Making” Hospitality Discipline, “Smart Home using IoT Technology” from Engineering Discipline, and interactive games from the Business Discipline.

(Photo 8) Students from the Higher Diploma in Applied Nutritional Studies measuring participants’ body fat and providing health advice

(Photo 9) Instructors from Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene teaching participants proper dental care techniques

(Photo 10) Teachers and students from the Shine Skills Centre leading participants in decorating a cake

(Photo 11) Dr Kitty WONG, Principal of IVE (Haking Wong) with VTC staff and students

CEU Upcoming Events

Vintage Remix Fashion Show

Date: 15 December (Sun)

Time: 4:00pm to 6pm

Location: Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai

Overview: The CEU, in collaboration with Diploma of Vocational Education (DVE) (Fashion) of Youth College and cultural organisation Fusion HUB, designed over twenty sets of outfits in vintage style, showcasing the evolution of fashion from the 1940s to the 1990s. The outfits were designed by DVE (Fashion) students and crafted by master tailors skilled in traditional sewing techniques, demonstrating the fusion and development of traditional and modern Hong Kong design and craftsmanship. The pieces will be presented to the public through a fashion show on Lee Tung Avenue, with students from the DVE (Image Design) providing makeup for the models. 

“CommunityQuest” Final Call

The CEU has launched a new scheme this academic year called “CommunityQuest”, encouraging VTC students to propose innovative, interesting, and practical solutions around four main themes: Youth Development, Elderly and Gerontech, Sustainability, and Inclusivity. The deadline for submissions to the reward scheme is 20 December (Fri). VTC students are welcome to submit project proposals with teacher recommendations. Seize this chance to share your skills with the community!

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