WELL DUNK! Summer Exchange Sports Visitor Programme 2023
In August 2023, IHKSports arranged a group of 5 underprivileged students to visit Boston, Massachusetts. Joining forces with the Sports Visitor Program (SVP), a flagship initiative of the U.S. Department of State, fosters cross-cultural understanding through sports by bringing youth athletes, coaches, and administrators to the United States for eye-opening exchange experiences. Through the WELL DUNK! Summer Exchange, funded by the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau, the tour blended STEM, English learning, and basketball training into a fun-filled trip for our participating students. The trip mirrored the SVP’s goals: students were able to engage in basketball training, team building, and social inclusion, while connecting with American peers and sports practitioners.
This inspiring 5-day Boston Leadership Institute STEM Camp combined hands-on activities in coding, robotics, and creative writing, fostering essential technical and creative skills. The Nike ASA Hoops Camp provided elite basketball training, which boosted participants’ skills and experiences.
Another highlight of the trip was visiting Boston University and the University of Connecticut, which sparked academic and athletic aspirations, students also got a chance to watch the exciting baseball match, adrenaline went to the max!
By integrating STEM with sports diplomacy, the program cultivated global perspectives and leadership, aligning with SVP’s mission to use athletics as a pathway to achievement. The WELL DUNK! programme showcased basketball’s unifying power, connecting Hong Kong’s emerging talent with America’s basketball legacy.
This cross-cultural exchange fostered mutual learning, friendship, and leadership, demonstrating sports as a powerful tool for cultural connection and personal development.
