'Exercise persistently, use sparingly' was the motto of Sir YK Pao. Pao School has consistently upheld this concept with its comprehensive sports education programmes. The school not only offers many sports activities for students, but also invites star athletes to visit campus and share their experience with students and encourage them to pursue their dreams. |
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Recently, two star athletes - one Chinese and one foreign - visited Pao School to provide instruction to students and encourage them in their athletic endeavours.
Former captain
of the UK's national cricket team
returns to Pao School
Mike Gatting OBE previously visited Pao School in 2015. The visit was a great success, so he returned this year to hold a cricket workshop for Year 5 students. Under Mike's careful guidance, students learned the ins and outs of fielding, batting and bowling.
Mike Gatting OBE
Mike Gatting OBE is one of the world's most famous cricket athletes.
He led English to an Ashes victory in Australia in 1987, for which he was honoured by the Queen of England.
Cricket is a British sport known as 'a gentleman's game' that emphasises fairness and sportsmanship. In recent years, Pao School has made great strides in its cricket programme, providing many related activities for students to sharpen their skills in the game.
Chinese table tennis champion
and World Championship medallist
at Pao School's annual sports awards event
Primary Division students always look forward to the annual sports awards.
Student dance performances at the event
This year, Pao School invited Cao Yanhua, Chinese table tennis champion, to tell her story to students. After hearing Cao Yanhua speak, students better understood the true meaning of sportsmanship, persistence and challenging oneself.
Cao Yanhua the 'Empress of Table Tennis', is a seven-time world champion in the sport. She has won 56 medals in China and other countries. She also has the distinction of winning a Grand Slam, which is earned by a player who wins singles crowns at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and the World Cup.
Cao Yanhua explained to students how sports have played an important role in her life. Since the age of five, she has been playing table tennis. She encouraged students to challenge themselves in sports and in their overall lives. She said:
Although it was challenging to learn the sport, it was valuable life experience and helped build character. It is imperative to be persistent, focused, modest and strong. Do not give up easily and keep your eyes on the prize.
Pao School believes doing sports not only strengthens the body, but also cultivates character and teaches students the value of persistence, focus, courage and fortitude. This is highly beneficial for students.
Pao School celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The school has many sports programmes that it continues to actively develop. This year, the Primary Division has 14 sports team, which have thus far participated in an unprecedented 225 games on and off campus.
Pao School is taking its sports programme to new heights as students discover the truth in the old axiom: 'a sound mind in a sound body'.
