The Hong Kong NOC has signed an agreement with the Education University of Hong Kong ©Hong Kong NOC

An education scheme to help pre-retirement and retired athletes in Hong Kong is set to be introduced after the country's National Olympic Committee signed an agreement with the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).

The Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong (SF&OC) has penned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the university to "foster the development of dual career pathways".

National Sports Associations will be able to nominate pre-retirement and retired athletes for admission to designated undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the EdUHK under the terms of the MoU.

Athletes who have represented Hong Kong at major events will be among the beneficiaries of the university scheme ©Getty Images
Athletes who have represented Hong Kong at major events will be among the beneficiaries of the university scheme ©Getty Images

It is claimed the deal will help provide education opportunities for athletes who are either considering retirement or have called time on their sports careers, addressing a long-running concern about how they fill the void when they stop competing.

"Many well-trained athletes have sacrificed their study time to strive for great results in international competition on behalf of Hong Kong," said SF&OC President Timothy Fok. 

"The SF&OC has, therefore, developed tailored, diversified post-athletic programmes to provide elite athletes with further education opportunities so that they can continue to make an important contribution to society after retirement. 

"The latest collaboration with EdUHK marks another key milestone to this end."