Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: former basketball player teaches youths to take the shot
Leung Kwok-shing, founder of Hoops for Hope Basketball Asia, is in the running for 12th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards’ ‘nurturing’ category
A former Hong Kong men’s team basketball player is coaching disadvantaged young people on and off the court by nurturing their confidence, encouraging them to go back to school and helping them to find new purpose.
Leung Kwok-shing, who is in his forties, has dedicated more than a decade to coaching and mentoring underprivileged youths through his non-profit organisation, Hoops for Hope Basketball Asia.
“I help disadvantaged children regain their confidence and develop hope in life through playing basketball,” he said, reflecting on his early years when support from teachers and his love for the sport helped him to cope with childhood asthma.
Since its founding in 2012, Hoops for Hope has offered free basketball training to more than 40,000 youths in Tin Shui Wai, Sham Shui Po and Kwun Tong.
His work has turned basketball into a powerful tool for personal growth and positive change in the lives of young people by helping them build confidence and discover purpose.
“We shouldn’t underestimate the abilities of children. In some cases, it’s just about opportunities,” he said.
