The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has named its seafront Sports Center after the late Mr Henry Fok Ying Tung and has also erected a statue of Mr Fok at the entrance to the Sports Center.
“Mr Fok was the University’s major benefactor. Thanks to his generous donation, HKUST is able to set up a graduate school in Nansha at the heart of the Pearl River Delta, and implement the programs outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2005 to 2020,” said HKUST President Paul Chu.
“Although Mr Fok had always preferred low profile for his philanthropic activities, the University felt obliged to recognize him as what he had done will inspire our youngsters for generations to come. He will be remembered not only for his enormous contribution to HKUST but also for his unceasing efforts in nurturing talents and promoting technology development on the Mainland and in Hong Kong,” President Chu said at the naming ceremony.
On top of naming the Sports Center after Mr Fok, HKUST has erected a bronze statue of Mr Fok at the entrance to the facility.
Measuring 2 meters in height and 600 kilograms in weight, the statue was sculpted by Mr Chu Tat Shing and features Mr Fok in football action.
“The sculpture is inspirational to all who uses our Sport Center, and will help promote athletic spirit among the younger generation,” President Chu added.
The Fok Ying Tung Sports Center, located at the seafront, comprises a full-size artificial turf soccer field surrounded by a 400-meter athletic track, and is used by students, staff and alumni, as well as for inter-university sports competitions.
“We are very grateful to the HKUST for naming the Sports Center after my late father and putting up such a fine statue in his honor,” said Mr Timothy Fok, the eldest son of Mr Fok Ying Tung.
“Our family will continue to support HKUST in its developments, and will work closely with it to realize my late father’s vision to nurture talents for Hong Kong and the Mainland, especially in the Pearl River Delta,” Mr Fok said.
To mark the occasion and to further enhance the relationship between the Fok family establishment and the HKUST community, a 30-minute football match was played between the two parties after the unveiling of the statue.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Ross Lai
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Email: donnaw@ust.hk
