News

At a ceremony held today, the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and Hang Seng Bank jointly awarded HK$10.3 million under the Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (Scheme) to 82 medallists who represented Hong Kong in 14 different sports at the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games (AG).

The total cash incentive awards amount distributed is a new height for an individual Games. This latest payout will boost the total amount given to outstanding athletes under the Scheme to over HK$26 million.

The Hong Kong delegation achieved breakthrough results at the AG by winning 8 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze medals, for a record haul of 40 medals.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the HKSI; Mrs Margaret Leung, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank; Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs and The Hon. Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

Dr Li was deeply impressed by the excellent performances and sportsmanship of local athletes at the AG. "Our athletes recorded a legendary result at the East Asian Games last year, and have now achieved a historic haul of 40 medals at the Asian Games. This is solid proof that Hong Kong sporting standards are moving closer to world-class levels. I am particularly touched by the strong determination and ‘never give up' spirit displayed by our athletes. I am very proud of them and honoured to be a member of the sporting community. I wish to offer my thanks for the assistance and support provided by the Government, the sporting community as well as Hang Seng Bank," Dr Li said.

Mrs Leung said: "The Bank has been awarding outstanding local athletes through the Scheme since 1996, which reflected our long-term commitment to encouraging local sports development. I am delighted to see many up-and-coming stars among the medallists. The stories behind the amazing success and the good sportsmanship of all the athletes brought honour and pride to everyone of us in Hong Kong."

The Hong Kong cycling team captured the most medals in a single sport at the AG, attaining gold in four different events: road race, track, cross-country and BMX.

Cyclist Wong Kam-po received the highest individual cash incentive - totalling HK$600,000 - after winning one gold and one silver medal at the AG. "I'm very pleased to have won two medals and to have been recognised by the Scheme. However, I'm more delighted to have seen our young cyclists work together in pursuit of their goals. It has been most encouraging to watch them grow up and mature in terms of their skills," said Wong.

Wushu athlete Geng Xiaoling returned with her first gold medal from the AG and was awarded HK$400,000. "I'm very grateful for the sincere support of both the HKSI and Hang Seng Bank.

The Scheme not only offers tangible rewards to athletes, but also helps to raise awareness of sporting achievements in the wider Hong Kong community," said Geng.

Organised by the HKSI since 1994, the Scheme provides cash awards to medal winners at Major Games. Hang Seng Bank began sponsoring the Scheme in 1996, providing additional cash incentives to local athletes who achieve outstanding performances at the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, the National Games and the East Asian Games. This year, the Bank has extended its cash incentives to medallists at the AG and the Asian Para Games to further support the development of local sports.

Table of Cash Incentives Awarded to Hong Kong Medallists at the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games (PDF)