ID: hksportsinstitute
HKSI Chairman Thanks HKSAR Government for Promoting Sports Specialisation and Commercialisation
Dr Lam Tai-fai SBS JP, Chairman of the HKSI, expressed his deep appreciation for the five sports development initiatives announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam GBM GBS, this morning. Such comprehensive and far reaching measures would certainly assist in the development of a professionalised sports industry, and encourage the next generation of young people to become full-time athletes.
The five measures unveiled by the HKSAR Government included:
- Expediting the construction of a new multi-purpose training facilities building, targeted to be completed in June 2024
- Setting up a HK$300 million “Booster Fund” jointly with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
- Fostering the feeder system for Hong Kong future elite athletes by increasing support at school level
- Encouraging and supporting elite athletes in the pursuit of their dual-career pathway
- Facilitating the professionalisation and development of sports into an industry
Dr Lam appreciated the HKSAR Government and the Chief Executive’s full understanding of the HKSI’s pressing needs for training facilities and hostel accommodation for athletes, and for responding to these needs in a highly efficient and flexible manner, expediting the construction of the HKSI’s new multi-purpose training facilities building for targeted completion in June 2024.
Everyone at the HKSI was very encouraged by the HKSAR Government’s recognition of the work of the HKSI in providing Hong Kong’s elite training system, and would continue to enhance the system to allow more talented athletes to achieve sporting success in the international sports arena.
The HKSAR Government has been providing increased resources to elite sports development in recent years, such as injecting more funds into the Elite Athletes Development Fund, increasing Direct Financial Support to Athletes, and enhancing the athletes’ retirement scheme. The HKSI believes all these initiatives allow talented athletes to fully focus on the pursuit of sporting excellence within a stable, secure career environment.
Mrs Carrie Lam visited the HKSI on 8 August. Her call to remember that “determination leads to success” was deeply encouraging to the athletes and staff present. With the additional comprehensive support from the HKSAR Government, everyone at the HKSI is looking forward to an even brighter future for Hong Kong elite sports.
