Museum running science of extreme sports

Christine Tang

The science behind sports is on full display with the help of virtual reality experience of extreme sports, movie screening, seminars and forums at the Science Museum in collaboration with the French Science Festival starting today until November 27.

This year marks the fourth edition of the French Science Festival, which is titled Sport and Science: from Health to Performance and aimed at raising public awareness in the science behind sports, said Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Christile Drulhe.

"This exhibition is to tell the public that science and sports are highly related. The countries with greatest achievements in Olympic Games invest the most in scientific research of sports," said Samuel Chui Chi-man, curator at the Hong Kong Science Museum.

Deputy director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Eve Tam Mei-yee said it is clear that science has become an indispensable part of sports.

She added that the SAR government and Hong Kong Jockey Club have earmarked HK$300 million for sports science and research funding schemes to enhance the competitiveness of athletes and help them better prepare for major international sports events.

"The French Science Festival provides an inspiring opportunity for schools and for the public to appreciate the significance of sports in our daily life and interconnection between science and sports," Tam said.

The festival will feature an exhibition showing the Science at the Service of Medals, which showcases the collaborative efforts of scientists to help athletes enhance their performance.

Public will also be able to have a virtual reality experience for citizens to try extreme sports including bodyboarding, wingsuit flying, free-diving and snowboarding, called A Taste of Risk.

A film screening of Les Triplettes de Belleville, an animated film featuring a grandmother trying to look for her grandson being kidnapped during the Tour de France, and a Champions Conference featuring Hong Kong Fencing team coach Gregory Koenig will also be held.

There will also be a Nutrition Panel Discussion to discuss with participants on the relationship between nutrition, health and sports performance on November 26.