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The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and Hang Seng Bank have awarded a total of over HK$2.06 million in incentives to Hong Kong’s London 2012 Paralympians at a Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (Scheme) Presentation Ceremony held today.

Hong Kong sent a delegation of 28 athletes to participate in seven sports at this year’s Paralympic Games.  Twelve local athletes won a total of 3 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze medals in athletics, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.  In recognition of their outstanding achievements, the medallists received a total of HK$1.86 million in cash awards under the Scheme.

In addition to its commitments under the Scheme, Hang Seng gave out further cash rewards totalling HK$180,000 to athletes who ranked in fourth to eighth place in their events.  Individual athletes and teams were awarded special incentives of HK$10,000 and HK$25,000 respectively.  Athletes of the Hong Kong Paralympic delegation who ranked outside the top eight in their events were each presented with a Hang Seng ‘God of Wealth’ gold ingot in recognition of their determination and good sportsmanship.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Tsang Tak-sing GBS JP, Secretary for Home Affairs; Dr York Chow GBS MBE JP, President of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled; Mr Carlson Tong JP, Chairman of the HKSI; and Ms Rose Lee, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank.

Mr Tong praised the excellent performance of Hong Kong athletes at the Paralympic Games.  “Being a part of the Paralympic Games is proof of an individual’s elite sporting ability.   I commend all the athletes for their respectful sportsmanship and undaunted spirit.   They have set an excellent example for young people.   Very big congratulations are due to the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled and to the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped.  Special thanks are also due to the Government and Hang Seng Bank for their long-term support for elite sport development,” he said.

Ms Lee said, “Rigorous training is essential for any athlete who strives to be the best.  The determination of our athletes with disabilities to overcome their physical limitations makes their achievements all the more impressive.  Participation in sports has been a transformative experience for these athletes, who serve as role models in demonstrating our ability to exceed expectations.  Their outstanding performances have helped to alter public perceptions and enriched their lives.”

Hong Kong’s top-performing team at this year’s Paralympic Games was the wheelchair fencing team, who collectively bagged 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals, earning them cash incentives totalling HK$1.11 million under the Scheme.  Yu Chui-yee won gold in the women’s individual foil and individual epee (category A) events and bronze in the women’s team epee event with fellow fencers Chan Yui-chong and Fan Pui-shan.  Yu’s achievements netted her a total of HK$635,000 in Scheme cash incentives - the highest amount awarded to a Paralympian in 2012.

Yu’s accomplishments make her Hong Kong’s most successful Paralympian to date, having now won a total of 7 gold medals across the previous three Paralympic Games.  “I am delighted to have already earned this distinction at the age of 28.  The invaluable experience I have gained at the past three Paralympic Games will definitely help me excel in other international competitions.  I will continue to strive for sporting excellence and hope to bring home more honours from future Games,” she said.

Hong Kong’s third gold medal was snagged by table tennis player Wong Ka-man in the women’s singles - TT11 event.  Competing in her first Paralympic Games, Wong came out on top after beating Hong Kong teammate Yeung Chi-ka in the final.  “I am very pleased that I was able to maintain good mental strength for the final and achieve such a good result,” said Wong.

Gold, silver and bronze medallists in individual events received HK$300,000, HK$150,000 and HK$75,000 respectively, while medal-winning teams were offered HK$420,000, HK$210,000 and HK$105,000 respectively.

Initiated by the HKSI in 1994, the Scheme has been sponsored by Hang Seng since 1996.  The Scheme provides cash incentives to Hong Kong athletes who achieve outstanding performances at the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the National Games.  The Scheme was expanded in 2005 to include medallists at the East Asian Games and, in 2010, medallists at the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games, to further support the development of local sport.  Including the incentives awarded in respect of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the Scheme has given out over HK$30 million to top-performing Hong Kong athletes since 1996.

List of Incentives Presented to London 2012 Hong Kong Paralympians (PDF)