Sixteen-year-old Jayden Luk Chun-lok, a talented fencer from Hong Kong living with type 1 diabetes, is among 190 young recipients of the Hong Kong Paediatric Society Bright Future Scholarship. This award, designed to help children and teenagers with chronic illnesses or from underprivileged backgrounds, provides them with the financial support needed to pursue their dreams.
Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of six, Jayden has shown remarkable discipline in managing his condition, carefully monitoring his carbohydrate intake to maintain his blood sugar levels while excelling in fencing. Despite wearing an insulin pump, he has achieved significant success in the sport, winning a team gold medal at the Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Bahrain and an individual bronze at the World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Jayden shared that his condition sometimes causes his blood sugar levels to drop during matches, leading to physical symptoms such as weakness and dizziness. Despite these challenges, he often pushes through to finish his games, driven by his passion for fencing. “Way before I was diagnosed, I fell in love with fencing because of its strategic aspect, and nothing could stop me from continuing to pursue my passion,” he said, adding that he plans to use the HK$20,000 (US$2,600) scholarship to cover fencing gear and medical expenses.
The scholarship program, supported by actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s generous donation of HK$3 million and a famous painting by the late Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki, aims to provide not just financial aid but also encouragement to young people facing significant life challenges. Leung, speaking at the award ceremony, expressed his hope that the recipients would continue to chase their dreams with perseverance, knowing they have support from many people.
Another scholarship recipient, 19-year-old Kary Chan Ka-yan, shared her story of resilience in the face of adversity. After her parents’ divorce, her family struggled financially, and they moved into a subdivided flat. The situation worsened when her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Despite these hardships, Kary continued to excel in academics and basketball, qualifying for Hong Kong’s under-18 team.
“After all these years, I am no longer afraid of obstacles – there is nothing I can’t conquer,” Kary said, adding that she plans to use her scholarship to support her family’s living expenses and her brother’s school fees as she begins her studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
These stories of determination and resilience highlight the importance of the scholarship in empowering young people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
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