News

To celebrate the achievements of Hong Kong athletes at the recently concluded 12^th National Games and 6^th East Asian Games, the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and Hang Seng Bank have jointly awarded cash incentives totalling over HK$2.53 million to local medallists at a Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (Scheme) presentation ceremony held today.

Cash awards totalling HK$1.11 million were presented to 21 Hong Kong athletes who collectively brought home one gold, three silver and three bronze medals from the 12^th National Games. Hong Kong athletes who clinched a total of 10 gold, 16 silver and 30 bronze medals at the 6^th East Asian Games were awarded over HK$1.42 million.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Tsang Tak-sing GBS JP, Secretary for Home Affairs; Mr Timothy Fok GBS JP, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC); Mr Carlson Tong JP, Chairman of the HKSI; and Ms Rose Lee, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank.

Mr Tong expressed his gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the success of Hong Kong athletes.  “An athlete’s sporting talent, persistence and hard work are critical to their success, as is expert coaching and integrated scientific and medical support.  But most importantly, the ongoing support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, the SF&OC, and the National Sports Associations, and corporate supporters like the Hang Seng Bank, is a key contributor to athletes success.  With the HKSI Redevelopment Project nearing completion, I am confident that further breakthrough results will come and I look forward to an even more vibrant sports culture in Hong Kong.”

Ms Lee praised the excellent performance of Hong Kong athletes at the two Games.   “Our athletes have achieved impressive results at the National and East Asian Games, supporting and encouraging one another in victory and defeat, demonstrating true team spirit.  We are extremely proud of our local heroes for their great sportsmanship.”

Cyclist Lee Wai-sze bagged a total of three medals - two gold and one silver - from the two Games, to receive cash incentives totalling HK$370,000 under the Scheme.  “I would like to thank the HKSI and Hang Seng Bank for their generous support. The Scheme helps raise awareness of elite sports in Hong Kong and is a great example of how the corporate sector can help athletes,” she said.

Twenty-year-old fencer Nicholas Choi won bronze in the men's individual foil event at both the National Games and the East Asian Games.  He was also a member of the gold medal winning team in the men’s team foil event at the East Asian Games.  Choi said, “Winning the medals and the cash incentive have given me enormous encouragement.  I will continue to strive for sporting excellence and hope to bring home more honours from future Games.”

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 put in excellent 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.  Including the awards given to medallists at the 12^th National Games and the 6^th East Asian Games, the Scheme has presented more than HK$33 million to about 410 top-performing Hong Kong athletes since 1996.

Table of Cash Incentives Presented to 2013 National Games and East Asian Games Hong Kong Medallists (PDF)