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Hong Kong's top athletes were honoured for their outstanding performances at two Major Games last year at a presentation ceremony held today (27 January 2007).

Presented by the Hong Kong Sports Institute ("HKSI"), the Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme aims to recognise remarkable achievements of Hong Kong athletes at the 15^th Asian Games and the 9th Far East & South Pacific Games for the Disabled ("FESPIC Games") in Kuala Lumpur.

Hong Kong enjoyed unprecedented success in Doha, where they won a record 28 medals – 6 gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze – for their best-ever performance at this multi-sports event.

In addition, Hong Kong also shone at the FESPIC Games in November, capturing 25 gold, 30 silver and 25 bronze medals and finishing seventh on the medal tally after China, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Iran and Japan.

In total, 103 medallists, of which 42 were won at the Asian Games and 61 at the FESPIC Games, were rewarded for their record haul.

Officiating guests at the Presentation included Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the HKSI, Mrs Carrie Lam, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Hon Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and Mrs Jenny Fung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled.

About 200 athletes, coaches, representatives from National Sports Associations, as well as Government officials attended the Presentation to honour our athletes who received cash awards amounting to HK$4,771,000.

At the ceremony, Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the HKSI, paid tribute to Hong Kong's athletes for their continued commitment towards sporting excellence. "Our athletes need to be recognised for all their hard work and sacrifices they have made to put Hong Kong on the sporting map at these two Major Games. Today, we honour these athletes by providing them with cash incentives so they can continue to strive to be the best they can be," said Dr Li.

"Special mention should also go to our coaches who have worked tirelessly, while playing a pivotal role in getting our elite athletes in their best physical condition for these two Major Games. With the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics only 20 months away, I am certain our athletes will continue to put on a good show, displaying their true spirit, commitment and passion," he added.

Hong Kong ace cyclist Wong Kam-po, the Doha Asian Games gold medallist in the men's individual road race, stressed the importance for athletes to be recognised.

"The HKSI has provided this Scheme since 1994 and it has certainly given me a boost each time I perform well in competition. I am delighted to have won my second Asian Games gold medal and I thank the HKSI for providing me not only tangible rewards but encouragement and recognition over these years," said Wong.

Chan Yui-chong, who clinched 3 gold and 1 silver medal at the 2006 FESPIC Games, also thanked the HKSI for their support.

"By being recognised, it gives us the incentive to work even harder so we can gain better results for future international competitions," said Chan.

The HKSI also thanked all coaches and supporting staff who contributed in helping athletes achieve major successes at these two Games. In recognition for their hard work, they were each presented with a souvenir as acknowledgement for playing such an important role behind the athletes' achievements. Two commemorative brochures capturing photos of our athletes at the two Games were handed out to attending guests to salute our athletes and help celebrate a job well done at the Games.

The HKSI Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme provides cash awards to medal winners of seven Major Games including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, FESPIC Games, East Asian Games, National Games, and World University Games. Cash incentives were offered to medallists at the Asian Games in 1994 for the first time, where HK$560,000 were presented to 20 athletes who clinched 13 medals.