News

The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) announced that a sum of HK$43 million has been allocated to over 520 local elite athletes from 43 sports under various funding schemes to provide direct financial support in 2008/09, representing a significant increase of over 20% compared to the previous fiscal year's allocation.

Athletes on the recipient list include badminton player Wang Chen, cyclist Wong Kam-po, squash player Chiu Wing-yin as well as table tennis duo Li Ching and Ko Lai-chak. Apart from the top elite athletes, athletes in the junior category from the 11 elite vote-supported sports under the HKSI, as well as outstanding athletes of some non-elite vote-supported sports and disability sports, are also the beneficiaries.

"Financial support is a strong factor in sport success. With appropriate financial support and backup services, Hong Kong athletes can concentrate on training and fully demonstrate their sporting talent," said Wong Kam-po, who has already earned a berth in both road race and point race in the Beijing Olympic Games.

Top squash player Chiu Wing-yin echoed Wong's view, saying, "Although we are not competing for money, it's very encouraging and satisfying for us to have the financial backup which leads us to strive for our best and to the medal podium eventually."

Starting from 2007/08, the government has increased funding support to athletes and an additional amount of over HK$20 million has been injected to enhance the direct financial support to our athletes each year.

Under different funding schemes, an individual athlete may receive a maximum grant of HK$32,500 per month depending on his/her level of performance and commitment to elite training. Apart from the direct funding, elite athletes of non-elite vote-supported sports may also be provided with a maximum grant of HK$135,000 per year to cover their training programme expenses.

Snooker player Marco Fu, one of the recipients of the direct financial support, appreciated the increased support, saying, "Apart from the increased monthly grant, I also benefit from the programme expenses support which has enabled me to take part in more overseas tournaments to enhance my experience and improve my world ranking."

Over the years, the HKSI has been providing all round support to Hong Kong elite athletes to strive for sporting excellence. In view of increasingly keen competition in the international sporting arena, continuous support with a view to the sustainable development of elite sports is essential. Apart from the regular financial support, the HKSI also applies funding from the Arts and Sport Development Fund with an aim to provide extra support to our elite athletes in preparation of Major Games such as the 2009 Hong Kong East Asian Games and the National Games, in order to enhance medal prospects in these important events, enhancing Hong Kong's reputation in the international sports arena.