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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said he was glad to know that a number of outstanding young athletes had been admitted to local institutions to pursue higher education.
"Athletes have to make extra efforts to undergo intensive sports training and pursue academic studies at the same time. Their perseverance deserves our recognition and encouragement. I look forward to continuous support from local institutions in offering more educational opportunities to athletes in their quest for sporting and academic excellence," Mr Tsang said.
So far, nine athletes have been admitted by local institutions through nomination by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong (SF&OC) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) this year, including Chan Hei-man (windsurfing), Chan Tze-wai (rowing), Leung Kin-yan (badminton), Ngan Kwoon-yat (fencing) and Ng Yat-hoi (football).
The Secretary for Home Affairs met the representatives of eight institutions funded by the University Grant Committee in April 2008 to discuss measures to facilitate elite athletes to pursue higher education in Hong Kong. These institutions, namely the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, agreed to consider athletes nominated by the SF&OC and the HKSI for admission. In addition, they will enhance support for elite athletes, enabling them to undertake sports training and concentrate on preparing for sports competitions while pursuing higher education, as well as to take up studies upon their retirement.
The Government is committed to nurturing the development of athletes and encouraging more young people to develop a career in sports through various schemes. A variety of support measures in education and career development are provided under the Hong Kong Athletes Career and Education Programme of the SF&OC and the Enhanced Athletes Educational and Vocational Development Programme of the HKSI.
Ends/Friday, July 30, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:42
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