Rugby pulling its weight as Hong Kong slowly but surely wakes up to the role of sport in a balanced education

At a time when getting kids active is a high priority, many Hongkongers are still waking up to the benefits of sport.

There are a number of issues faced here – space is at a premium and education is often put before all else – but the attitude is slowly shifting.

Physical education is gradually starting to come under the consideration of local Hong Kong families, although it is taking time to convince parents that sport can play a vital role in a balanced education and a healthy lifestyle.

“For the time being, honestly speaking, it is not a high priority,” said Daniel Chow Hung-kay, the head of the department of health and physical education at the Education University of Hong Kong.

“Parents will strive for academic excellence first, that’s why we are devoting a lot of effort to demonstrate to parents that doing exercise is actually good for a students’ academic performance, because it can facilitate brain growth and facilitate cognitive thinking.”