‘Brave’ Vera Lui Lai-yiu praised by Hong Kong sports official for telling world about sexual assault
Baptist University’s Professor Chung Pak-kwong says the hurdler’s courage helps to raise awareness of the issue in local sports
A leading sports official has praised hurdler Vera Lui Lai-yiu for her bravery in telling the world that she was a victim of sexual abuse, saying it served as a warning to all in the community.
Professor Chung Pak-kwong, department head of physical education at Baptist University and former chief executive at the Sports Institute in Fo Tan, said Lui showed courage in relating her story, which sent shock waves across Hong Kong sport.
“Her action should be well recognised as it has raised concerns of the community on the issue,” said Chung on Monday at a launch of the university’s educational leaflet on how to “protect young athletes against sexual harassment”.
On her 23-year-old birthday in November last year, Lui posted on Facebook claims that she was sexually assaulted by her coach when she was 13. However, Lui, who won a gold medal for Hong Kong in the women’s 60-metre hurdles at the 2017 Asian Indoor Games in September,has since turned down requests by the media for interviews.