Rugby sevens joins ranks of HKSI elite sports
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     On the advice of the Sports Commission, the sport of rugby sevens has joined the ranks of sports that will receive "Tier A" support from the Elite Training Programme run by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) for the four-year elite sport funding cycle up to 2017.

     Another 13 sports currently receiving high level support at the HKSI, namely athletics, badminton, billiards, cycling, fencing, karatedo, rowing, squash, swimming, table tennis, tenpin bowling, windsurfing and wushu will also receive  "Tier A" support up to 2017.

     The sports of gymnastics and triathlon, which currently receive high level support from the HKSI, will receive "Tier A" support for a further two years, after which their continued status will be reviewed in the light of their athletes' performances during the period from 2013 to 2015.

     A further ten sports, namely dance sports, equestrianism, judo, lawn bowls, mountaineering, orienteering, roller sports, sailing, skating and tennis will receive "Tier B" support from the HKSI, which will give athletes in these sports regular access to training, facilities and sports science and medicine support at the institute.

     The HKSI will formally advise the relevant "national sports associations" of the levels of support that their athletes will receive and work out detailed training plans and budgets.

Ends/Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:27

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