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The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) is very much encouraged by the Chief Executive's Policy Address which reflects the continued and growing commitment of the Government to long-term sports development in Hong Kong. With the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games celebrations coming to a close, the elite sports sector is already moving towards the business of planning for the next Major Games cycle, to improve Hong Kong's results in the international arena. The Government's reinforcement of its support for elite athletes to optimize their preparations for the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games, the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games, and the London 2012 Olympics will be a key aspect of future success.

Particularly important to shaping the successful future of Hong Kong's elite sports system is the Government's commitment to establishing a more effective feeder system with the participation of districts and schools. Early identification of athletic giftedness is well recognized as a crucial variable to success at the elite level. With the participation of districts and schools the breadth and depth of Hong Kong's elite sports talent pool will be significantly enhanced.

Over the past few years, the Government has actively considered the needs of elite sports development as evidenced by the provision of increased resources for direct financial support to elite athletes; the commitment from the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions to provide continued and enhanced support to student athletes; and the provision of support for educational and vocational development programmes to better prepare athletes for their post-competitive sport career transition. Additionally, approximately HK$1.8 billion was recently approved by the Legislative Council for the redevelopment of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to become a world class, barrier-free training facility for elite athletes, including elite athletes with disabilities.

There are almost 700 scholarship athletes at the HKSI, primarily from the 11 Elite Sports, two disability sports associations, as well as other eligible sports under the HKSI's Individual Athletes Support Scheme. Succeeding at the Olympic level in today's competitive sports world requires significant investment of resources in identifying and nurturing elite athletes who are not only gifted, but also committed to the rigors of full-time training. In accordance with the Policy Address for 2008/09, the HKSI will continue to assist the Government in the implementation of its elite sports policy and work closely with all major stakeholders to promote the development of elite sport and strive for medal results at the upcoming Major Games.