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In appreciation of the excellent achievements of Hong Kong athletes at the 2018 Asian Games, the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and Henderson Land Group jointly presented cash incentive awards totalling HK$26.4 million to local medallists at the “Incentive Awards Presentation for 2018 Asian Games” ceremony held today.

At the 2018 Asian Games, the Hong Kong team won a record-breaking 46 medals, comprising 8 gold, 18 silver and 20 bronze medals. The cash awards were presented to 107 local medal winners from 17 different sports, under the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Henderson Land Commendation Scheme for Elite Athletes.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Paul Chan Mo-po GBM GBS MH JP, Financial Secretary; Mr Lau Kong-wah JP, Secretary for Home Affairs; Dr Thomas Brian Stevenson GBS JP, Vice-President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Mr Silas Yang Siu-shun JP, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Martin Lee Ka-shing, Vice Chairman of Henderson Land Group; and Dr Lam Tai-fai SBS JP, Chairman of the HKSI.

Dr Lam Tai-fai was extremely proud of the performance of Hong Kong athletes at the Asian Games. “It is a real accomplishment for the Hong Kong athletes. In addition, the average age of the HKSI Scholarship athlete medallists at this year’s Games is only 24. I believe that they will achieve even better results in the next Asian Games.” He continued, “I sincerely thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and Henderson Land Group for presenting cash incentives to medallists in recognition of their efforts. I would also like to thank the HKSAR Government, Home Affairs Bureau, SF&OC and National Sports Associations for their long-term support in the development of local elite sports training.”

Mr Silas Yang Siu-shun JP noted that the Club had long been supporting various local sporting initiatives and sport was one of the strategic focus areas for its community donations. “Through making sports fun and accessible to all citizens, the Club aims to encourage different segments of the community to take part in sports and build a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “The Club’s Charities Trust is one of the world's top ten charity donors, and will continue to promote long-term development of sports by supporting different sporting initiatives, encouraging creativity and collaboration.”

Mr Martin Lee Ka-shing said, “Over the years, Henderson Land has been supporting the development of local sports. We understand that it’s never easy to be a full-time athlete, and it requires substantial resources. We are delighted to be able to contribute in this worthy cause and encourage Hong Kong athletes to pursue their dreams. On this wonderful occasion, may I express my best wishes to our Hong Kong athletes. I hope they would keep on reaching new heights, and shine on international sporting events again and again!”

Cyclist Lee Wai-sze has won a total of 5 gold medals in three consecutive Asian Games, the most ever won by a Hong Kong athlete. She owes her success at the Asian Games to the support from different departments of the HKSI. “Nutritionists provided advice on my diet and intake of nutrition. In addition to regular consultation to ease my mind, psychologists also intensified the concentration and reaction training. Coaches including fitness coach adopted a highly stringent approach to my training for my best form. The sports biomechanics and technology team worked hard on data and video analysis of my onsite performance, and sports medicine specialists offered physical recovery treatment daily during the Games period,” said Lee.

Gymnast Shek Wai-hung, defending men's vault champion, said, “I was extremely thrilled when I won the gold medal in men’s vault. The shoulder injury I suffered two years ago put an end to my Rio Olympics dream. With the attentive care from the HKSI’s sports medicine team, I was able to get through the hard times and regain my best form for the Asian Games and eventually won the gold medal. I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the two sponsors for presenting cash incentives to medallists, which signifies public recognition of local athletes. We will continue to strive for excellence and bring honour to Hong Kong.”

Squash athlete Au Chun-ming, won a gold and a historic silver medal in men's singles and men’s team events respectively. “I was so excited that me and my long-time compatriot Lee Ho Yin entered the men's singles final at the Asian Games and won a gold and a silver medal respectively, bringing honour to Hong Kong,” said Au.

Established by the HKSI in 1994, the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (AIAS) provides cash incentives to local medal winners at various Major Games. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been the title sponsor of the AIAS from 2016 to 2018, providing cash awards to outstanding Hong Kong athletes at six Major Games.

The Henderson Land Commendation Scheme for Elite Athletes offers additional cash incentives on top of the AIAS to local medallists at the 2018 Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

• List of Cash Incentives for Hong Kong Athletes at the 2018 Asian Games (PDF)