The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (August 16) visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to better understand the development plans and progress of the HKSI in training elite athletes. He also spoke with some of the elite athletes to learn about their training conditions. He expressed support for the athletes and encouraged them to scale new heights in international competitions.

     Mr Lee, accompanied by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong; and the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, visited training facilities for sports such as table tennis, badminton, karatedo and wushu and sports for athletes with disabilities. He chatted with coaches and young athletes to understand their regular training arrangements and the athletes' dual career development in sports and academic pursuits. Mr Lee was also briefed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the HKSI, Dr Lam Tai-fai, and the Deputy Chief Executive of the HKSI, Mr Tony Choi, on the latest developments of the new facilities building project of the HKSI, as well as its plans in enhancing support services in aspects such as sports science and sports medicine.

     Mr Lee said, "Hong Kong athletes have been participating in international competitions using the name 'Hong Kong, China' since Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Our athletes' progressive improvement in performance and the numerous awards garnered by them have made Hong Kong people very proud. Under the reorganisation of the structure of the Government in the new term, the newly established Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will strengthen the efforts in promoting sports in the community, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, supporting elite sports, enhancing professionalism in the sports sector and developing sports as an industry.

     "The Government will continue to support the HKSI in nurturing promising athletes to unleash their potential. I look forward to seeing Hong Kong athletes continue to shine in the international sports arena and starting a new chapter for Hong Kong's sports development together with them."

     The Government has allocated $990 million to the main works project for the new facilities building of the HKSI to enhance its facilities in training athletes. In addition, the Government is pressing ahead with the development of the Kai Tak Sports Park project to provide more facilities for Hong Kong's organisation of sports events, and the relevant sports venues are expected to be completed in phases between late 2023 and 2024.

Ends/Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:52

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