Connecting Communities Through Laughter and Wellness

A Year 3 student working on her PhD in Epidemiology, Siyu Chen is not only a passionate public health researcher but also a zealous CrossFitter. “I got into CrossFit because it’s a diversified sport and has a really nice community. It combines Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics and HIIT (high intensity interval training),” says Siyu, recalling her initial apprehension at the sight of competitors hoisting formidable weights.  

Undaunted by the challenge, she began the journey of gradually increasing her strength, meticulously recording her training sessions to observe her technique and progress. “Weightlifting is not just about strength and power. You also need to be smart, analyse your movements and apply physics theories. It’s a mix of intelligence and power, so I love it a lot.”  

More importantly, it was the community aspect that drew Siyu into the sport. “There are people from different backgrounds who love sports. We share the same values and we support each other.” 

Committed to the intersecting ideals of community and wellness, she jumped at the chance to participate in the HKU Cares Community Programme in 2023. The programme recruited HKU student volunteers to serve as sports ambassadors to promote healthy aging and enhance community connections by leading physical activities for elderly people.  

Under the month-long guidance of professional coaches, volunteers like Siyu received basic training in sports science, human anatomy and physical fitness. They then engaged elderly members from the Kennedy Town community and introduced to them simple daily exercises and interactive games such as pickleball – a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.  

Siyu points out that not only can exercise help older people improve their physical health, but these simple movements and interactions can also enhance their mental health by promoting a sense of community and connection to reduce feelings of isolation. “As a public health researcher, my goal is to help others. Normally, with research, the feedback and the improvements you see are slow. But when you teach people how to exercise, the feedback and their reactions are immediate.” 

Playing pickleball with elderly people was the most memorable experience for Siyu. “Pickleball involves unpredictable movements, so there are variations and surprises. Our ‘students’ were very happy and excited to wave the racquets around!” 

During her participation in the HKU Cares Community Programme, Siyu has learned that these community sports programmes are not merely about giving rigid instructions, but rather encouraging people to be involved in the activities and creating a positive environment through effective communication so they can make gradual improvements. She believes they have succeeded in delivering a positive health message to the community while deepening the connection between the students, HKU and the community.  

This experience has also allowed her to put research into practice. “My thesis is related to identifying early determinants of type 2 diabetes. We already know that obesity is an established risk factor. There’s strong evidence that increasing muscle mass can improve insulin resistance. By participating in the programme and staying active, older people can benefit from reduced obesity and enhanced muscle mass, which translate to a better and happier life.”  

So, what would Siyu tell other students looking to join similar HKU community outreach initiatives? “There are a ton of HKU initiatives to choose from. My suggestion is that they should first identify what they love and find a programme that aligns with their interests. Because when you love something, you will have the passion and desire to share your experience with others. When people see the sparkle in your eyes, they will be moved by your passion. Doing what you love is the easiest way to connect with others.”