Carried by Passion, Moving Forward with Gratitude — On the Occasion of Kaka Receiving the BAKON Study Scholarship

At BAKON, we have always believed in nurturing the passions of young people and witnessing the power of growth. True to our expectations, Kaka achieved outstanding academic results and was admitted to Fujian Normal University — one of the province’s leading universities, consistently ranked among China’s top 100 comprehensive universities and among the top 10 nationally in the field of teacher education. With his remarkable academic achievements and strong qualifications, Kaka was awarded the BAKON Scholarship.

When the scholarship was placed in his hands, we saw more than a young footballer chasing his dreams on the pitch. We saw a journey of growth — one that began with the nourishment of a father’s love and flourished through unwavering companionship, dedication, and countless hours of hard work.

Kaka’s football dream began with the quiet influence of his father, day after day. There was no deliberate arrangement, just the simple moments they shared: watching matches together in front of the television, running side by side along the sidelines of the football field on weekends, and hearing a steady “Keep going” whenever setbacks came his way. Little by little, these moments planted the seed of passion in his heart. Through his words and, more importantly, his actions, Kaka’s father taught him some of life’s simplest truths: skills are refined through repeated practice, resilience is forged through setbacks, and being a good person means carrying warmth and kindness in your heart. These lessons, woven quietly into everyday life, have become a solid foundation for Kaka as he grows.

Throughout his school years, football and academics have grown side by side. On the pitch, he has repeatedly honed his skills, developing an unwavering determination through every sprint, challenge, and contest. As part of a team, he has learned to look out for his teammates and work in harmony with others, discovering the meaning of collaboration and responsibility through every shared battle. Independence, perseverance, empathy, and gratitude. These precious qualities are not simply learned from words in a textbook. They take shape through every drop of sweat shed in training and gradually become part of who he is through the constant companionship and support of his family.

The BAKON scholarship is a recognition of Kaka’s perseverance along the way, but it is also a gesture of support for the road that lies ahead. What moved us most deeply was how this support took root in his heart, growing into a deep and weighty sense of gratitude. He often says that the award represents a meaningful act of kindness, one he hopes to carry with him as he moves forward. And one day, when he has the ability to do so, he hopes to pass that warmth on to more young people of his generation who are pursuing their own dreams.

A young eagle will one day take flight, yet never forget the winds that carried it there.

May Kaka continue running toward his dreams on the football pitch, carrying with him his father’s hopes, his family’s unwavering support, and a sincere heart filled with gratitude. May he spread his wings, soar toward new horizons, and find the vast world that belongs to him. BAKON will always be willing to walk alongside young dreamers on their journeys, protect every passion, and witness every step of their growth.