Promoting Adolescent Development Through Sports in Hong Kong

Background A physically active lifestyle is crucial for development but a large number of youth in Hong Kong are sedentary and do not meet the International (World Health Organisation) and the local (Leisure and Cultural Services Department) recommendation for physical activity. On the other hand, the evidence for implementing positive youth development programme through physical activity and sports is elusive. Purpose This study aimed to promote physical activity and sports amongst adolescents in Hong Kong through a structured sports mentorship intervention. The study also aimed to investigate the effect of such programme in positive youth development. Methods This was a two-phased study with Phase I being the preparatory stage and Phase II being the implementation stage. In Phase I, questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews were conducted to understand the relevant perceptions and opinions amongst various stakeholders (e.g. teachers, parents, and students). The data collected was analysed to inform the design and planning of the Phase II intervention. Phase II was an experimental trial of our sports mentorship programme. Participating students were divided into intervention and control group, where the former received the sports mentorship programme and the later did not. The intervention was 18 weeks long providing an additional 90 minutes of active time per week for all students in the intervention group. Programme mentors were trained and supported in reference to previous evidence. Intervention effectiveness were evaluated by comparing the outcomes between intervention and control group.