News

HKSI and Hang Seng Bank Offer Incentives for Outstanding Achievements by Hong Kong Athlete

30 August 2005

Officiating guests (from left): The Hon. Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, and Mr Raymond Or, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of the Hang Seng Bank, attend the launch ceremony of Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme. Read More

Officiating guests (from 3<sup>rd</sup> left): Mr Alan Siu, Deputy

Officiating guests (from 3^rd left): Mr Alan Siu, Deputy Director of Leisure Services, Leisure and Cultural Services Department; the Hon. Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute; Mr Raymond Or, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of the Hang Seng Bank; Mrs Jenny Fung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, together with the representatives of athletes at a launch action to boost the morale of Hong Kong athletes competing in the upcoming Major Games. Read More

The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and Hang Seng Bank (the Bank) will continue to encourage and recognise outstanding achievements by Hong Kong athletes at major sporting games from 2005 to 2008 through the Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, it was announced at a ceremony today (30 August 2005).

Supported by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (HKP&SAP) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Scheme will make cash awards to local athletes who win medals for Hong Kong at the forthcoming 10^th National Games, the 4^th East Asian Games and the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hang Seng Bank has been sponsoring the Scheme for the Olympics, the Paralympics and the National Games since 1996. To date, over HK$5.6 million has been awarded to 39 medallists. This year will be the first time that the Scheme has included athletes competing at the East Asian Games.

The Bank's sponsorship of the Scheme involves matching all cash incentives for outstanding performances offered by the HKSI on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the HKSI; Mr Raymond Or, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank; The Hon Timothy Fok, President of the SF&OC; Mrs Jenny Fung, Chairman of the HKP&SAP; and Mr Alan Siu, Deputy Director (Leisure Services) of the LCSD officiated at the ceremony which took place at Hang Seng Bank's Headquarters.

"To win a medal at one of the major sporting games requires a lot of hard work and dedication," said Dr Li at the ceremony. "Therefore, it is important that athletes' achievements are recognised by the community. This incentive scheme shows that Hong Kong cares about its athletes and I would like to thank Hang Seng Bank and other supporters of the scheme for their generosity."

Mr Or said: "Hong Kong's athletes have achieved outstanding results in international competitions in recent years. We understand that they work very hard every day to prepare themselves for these sporting challenges. Their perseverance and determination to be the best deserves much of our commendation."

Wheelchair fencer Yu Chui-yee said: "I am grateful for the continuous support of the HKSI and Hang Seng Bank. Athletes make many sacrifices in order to excel in their chosen sport and it is heartwarming to know that our efforts are being recognised."

"We have made a strong commitment to focus on preparing for major games in order to be ready for the challenges ahead. This great incentive awards scheme is certainly a boost in our quest for sporting excellence," said windsurfer Chan Wai-kei.