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In response to an open letter published in a newspaper today (November 23) on the criteria for selecting roller sports athletes to participate in the 16th Asian Games, a spokesman for the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) gave the following remarks:
The HKSAR Government has all along been working with stakeholders from various sectors, including the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and every National Sports Association (NSA) in promoting sports development in Hong Kong, especially in identifying and training elite athletes.
The selection of athletes for international competitions is the prerogative of the SF&OC and relevant NSAs in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the selection criteria laid down for respective competitions. Any complaints or appeals are handled by SF&OC or relevant NSAs according to their respective procedures, and the Government has never interfered in the selection process.
Every NSA under the SF&OC is affiliated to its respective International Federation and Asian Federation. NSAs officially represent Hong Kong to participate in international sports competitions, and are responsible for managing local activities relating to their respective sports.
While the Government respects the autonomy and independence of the SF&OC and NSAs, we nonetheless closely monitor the use of public money by these organisations to ensure that it is deployed effectively in promoting sports development.
Ends/Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:06
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