Program Overview

Fitness Buddies for Inclusion (FBI)

About The Programme

Fitness Buddies for Inclusion (FBI) with the Blind is a 6-week training programme proudly organised by CEDARS, in collaboration with Centre of Sports and Exercise (CSE), D2B Consulting (D2B), Hong Kong Network for the Promotion of Inclusive Society (HKNPIS) and Beyond Vision International (BVI), to train HKU students who are passionate about sports and community service to become fitness buddies for visually impaired persons, particularly blind elderly from the community.

The well-structured training curriculum includes ten tailored resistance band exercises, tactile fitness cards, communication skills with visually impaired individuals, sighted guiding techniques, understanding guide dogs, and a human library activity.

Launched in February 2025, the first batch of the programme has successfully recruited more than 60 HKU students who are passionate about sports and community service to become fitness buddies for over 30 visually impaired persons, particularly blind elderly from the community, promoting disability inclusion, physical and mental well-being, and the spirit of servant leadership.

Programme Structure

Step 1: Train the Buddy

Undergo trainings on fitness drills and how to be a sighted guide

Step 2: Inclusive Fitness Class

Pair up with visually impaired adults from NGOs on Fitness Buddies

Objectives

• Promote Wellness, Empathy, Inclusivity and Resilience
• Volunteer through Sports to Support the Disabilities
• Foster the spirit of servant leadership
• Explore talents and interests in the fitness and NGO sectors

Roles

1. Fitness Buddy

• Conduct bodyweight fitness drills with the blind and support them if necessary
• Escort the blind with getting to and from the training venue
• Actively engage in all activities and devise initiatives to make a positive change for the blind and other disabilities in the local community
• Design, set up and run a promotional booth at the Sports & Wellness Gala on 5th March 2025

2. Student Host

• Post A. Student Photographer
• Post B. Student Videographer
• Post C. Student Graphic Designer

Application Details

• Application Deadline for Fitness Buddy: 5th February 2025
• Application Deadline for Student Host: 31st January 2025

Programme Overview

The programme aims to provide a comprehensive training experience for HKU students to become fitness buddies for visually impaired persons, promoting disability inclusion and physical and mental well-being. The programme includes a well-structured training curriculum, inclusive fitness classes, and opportunities for students to engage in community service and develop their skills and interests in the fitness and NGO sectors.