Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3091047/athletes-hub-defies-covid-19-provide-high-level-training-hong-kong
Sport/ Hong Kong

Athletes Hub defies Covid-19 to provide high-level training for Hong Kong aspirants unable to qualify for elite programmes

  • Former dragon boat athlete Roy Cheng, inspired by cycling star Wong Kam-po, fulfils his dream of launching a centre that caters to non-elite sports
  • The opening of the HK$3 million Tsuen Wan high-performance centre was attended by dozens of athletes, officials and friends
Roy Cheng shows his guests how to work the kayak/canoe machine during the opening of Athletes Hub. Photos: Handout

Retired dragon boat athlete Roy Cheng Chun-hin, inspired by cycling star Wong Kam-po, has opened a new HK$3 million training centre to provide elite-level expertise and training to athletes who do not have access to funded programmes.

Former Asian champion and Hong Kong’s top rider Wong joined more than 100 athletes and friends at Sunday’s opening of Athletes Hub in Tsuen Wan, which provides advanced technical and physical training for elite athletes as well as those unable to qualify for Hong Kong Sports Institute support.

Cheng, the 26-year-old former world dragon boat champion, said he was close to giving up on his dream amid the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

“I almost gave up because of Covid-19, but thanks to my mentor and cycling legend of Hong Kong, Wong Kam-po, [through] his encouragement and inspiration, I finally decided to go ahead,” said Cheng.

“I was a little bit scared to open up such a business with the Covid-19 pandemic, but he [Wong] told me to never give up, stay positive.”

Among the athletes who attended were karate’s Lee Chun-ho and Tsang Yee-ting – both of whom recently recovered from Covid-19 – cycling’s Yeung Ying-hon, rowing’s Yeung Ka-wai, fencer Maria Chan Siu-san and others.

Roy Cheng, Wong Kam-po (second right) and others at the opening of Athletes Hub.
Roy Cheng, Wong Kam-po (second right) and others at the opening of Athletes Hub.

Cheng’s ambition to launch Athletes Hub was in part driven by his own inability to access high-level training for dragon boat until he won a team bronze medal at the 2013 world championships in Hungary, after which he was offered a chance to train at the HKSI.

He made the most of the opportunity and won a silver medal for Hong Kong at the 2015 worlds in Welland, Canada.

However, he was soon forced to retire because of a knee injury but he remained fascinated by the training and support he received while at the HKSI.

Roy Cheng demonstrates his technique on the dragon boat machine at Athletes Hub.
Roy Cheng demonstrates his technique on the dragon boat machine at Athletes Hub.

“I decided to set up my own training centre because I want to give back to the sports community and also help athletes who cannot get support from the HKSI. They also deserve the chance to train at the highest level, improve performance and prevent injury,” said Cheng.

With scholarship aid from Hong Kong Athletes Career and Education Programme, and support from his family, Cheng completed a bachelor’s degree in sports therapy in 2019. He is also a qualified weightlifting, kayaking and canoe coach.

Wong, a three-time Asian Games gold medallist, has been a mentor for Cheng over the past two years and the pair have built a strong friendship.

Roy Cheng, former Hong Kong dragon boat athlete and founder of Athletes Hub, during the opening ceremony.
Roy Cheng, former Hong Kong dragon boat athlete and founder of Athletes Hub, during the opening ceremony.

“Roy and I are more like friends. We explored the post-retirement path together,” said Wong. “I’m glad to see that Roy’s empathy towards athletes who need support is strong and he was able to realise his dream.

“His centre provides comprehensive training programmes for technical, strategic and physical development and is an important addition to Hong Kong sport.”

Apart from training, Athletes Hub offers performance evaluation and support to help sports that wish to become part of the HKSI elite programmes. One of its clients is the Hong Kong woodball team.

“We will continue supporting different sports teams and help them in their goal of becoming part of the HKSI,” said Cheng. “We also welcome any collaboration with sports teams, clubs and associations, if they need assistance.”