Chairman’s Statement
I am delighted to present my first statement after being appointed by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Government) as Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI). 2023/24 was a year of sporting events that showcased the talent and dedication of Hong Kong athletes.
During the year, Hong Kong athletes again produced inspiring results on the international stage. Results at the Asian Games with 53 medals, and the Summer World University Games, with 12 medals, were Hong Kong’s best-ever outcome. Additionally, the Asian Para Games saw Hong Kong athletes win an impressive 47 medals. They also won a total of 33 medals at World Championships, and 228 medals at Asian Championships.
As the Government’s designated elite sport training centre, the HKSI is tasked with providing Hong Kong’s elite athletes with access to a high-performance environment, allowing them to achieve their full potential. In doing this, we collaborate with our many partners so that athletes can pursue their sporting gifts. One of the highlights of the year was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to establish the PolyU – HKSI Research Centre, which aims to drive research in elite sports, promote the development of sports science and technology, and assist athletes in reaching their full potential and achieving greater success.
Thanks to the Government and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, who jointly set up the HK$300 million Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme, a total of 24 projects covering 20 Tier A Sports and Tier A Para Sports have been approved as of 31 March 2024 to help improve athletes’ performance and competitiveness in coming major international sports events.
As the HKSI supports an increasing number of elite sports and athletes, we look to further improve the hardware and software to maintain the HKSI’s status as a leading world-class elite training centre with the ultimate goal of winning medals for Hong Kong at increasingly competitive major international competitions. The construction of the new facilities building, including two multi-purpose training venues and a number of facilities related to sports science and sports medicine, was scheduled to be completed in mid-2024 and ready for use in late 2024.
The HKSI also attaches great importance to fostering the holistic development of young athletes, enabling them to excel both in sport and academics. The Partnership School Programme continues to provide a tailor-made curriculum to meet young athletes’ training and education needs, enabling them to train full-time while studying at senior secondary level. As at 31 March 2024, a total of 55 athletes were studying under the programme. The HKSI has signed MOUs with 12 tertiary institutions, allowing the HKSI to nominate Scholarship Athletes to apply for their programmes. In the 2023/24 academic year, a total of 83 athletes were admitted under this arrangement; the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme, launched by the University Grants Committee in 2022, has facilitated the admission of 59 elite athletes to tertiary study. The remaining 24 athletes were admitted through existing admission schemes under the MOUs.
To raise public awareness of elite sports and to broadcast the positive values of our athletes, over 140 community engagement programmes were implemented during the year, reaching over 430,000 participants. Returning for the first time since the pandemic, the HKSI Open Day took place in March 2024, attracting thousands of visitors. To share the vision of the HKSI with the community and connect with the younger generation, the HKSI’s social media channels continued to provide news updates on elite sports and athletes, reaching about seven million people during the year.
Looking forward, the 15th National Games and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities to be held in 2025 will be of great significance as it will be the first time the two Games are to be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Hong Kong will be hosting eight and four competition events respectively, providing a valuable opportunity for local athletes to compete with strong counterparts. While Hong Kong athletes are training hard in preparation for the Games, the HKSI will work in concert with the Government in every aspect to ensure the smooth completion of the Games.
On behalf of the Board, I offer sincere thanks for the ongoing support of the Government, sporting authorities of mainland China, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, the National Sports Associations, education sector, sponsors, media and the community as a whole.
I would also like to thank my predecessor, Dr Lam Tai-fai, under whose tenure as Chairman of the HKSI significant milestones were reached. My gratitude also goes to fellow Board members, as well as the management, coaches and staff of the HKSI, for their support and hard work. During the year ahead, the HKSI will continue to focus on partnering with all parties to provide world-class elite sport training services and support for Hong Kong athletes.
I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr Trisha Leahy whose professional experience and unwavering commitment have successfully navigated many challenges, taking the HKSI to significant advancements over her 15 years in office as the Chief Executive. We also warmly welcome our new Chief Executive, Mr Tony Choi whose proven expertise in elite sports training, leadership, and management will ensure that the HKSI remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting elite sports in the pursuit of excellence.
Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM
Chairman, Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited