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Cash incentives totalling HK$7,186,000 were today awarded to 203 Hong Kong medallists from the 2009 National Games (NG) and the East Asian Games (EAG) at the Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (Scheme) presentation ceremony. The cash total is the highest-ever amount given out through the Scheme.

Cash awards under the Scheme were doubled for Hong Kong medallists at the 2009 EAG. HK$6,136,000 of the total amount went to 196 EAG medallists, with Hong Kong winning 26 gold, 31 silver and 53 bronze medals. The remaining HK$1,050,000 was shared by eight athletes who won 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals at the NG.

Officiating guests at the presentation ceremony included Tsang Tak-sing, Secretary for Home Affairs; The Honourable Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC); Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI); and Margaret Leung, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank.

Dr Eric Li thanked the parties who have contributed to the athletes' success, including the Hong Kong government, the SF&OC, Hang Seng Bank, National Sports Associations, coaches, technical staff and the people of Hong Kong. Dr Li said that all these people put in as much time and effort behind the scenes as the elite sportsmen and sportswomen who turned on the magic for Hong Kong in 2009. "Our athletes have ably displayed the ‘never-give-up' Hong Kong spirit — striving for excellence and showing strong determination and resilience when competing at the Games – an attitude that is greatly admired by everyone in Hong Kong. As a member of the sports community, I'm really proud of them," he added.

Margaret Leung said the Bank was delighted to be presenting the largest-ever cash award to the Hong Kong medal winners and congratulated all the medallists as well as coaches and officials from the different sports associations. "Hong Kong athletes have demonstrated a driving spirit at the Games. In addition to their impressive medal tally, our athletes also brought honour to Hong Kong through their strong display of good sportsmanship," she added. Mrs Leung particularly praised top cyclist Mr Wong Kam-po, who put team spirit ahead of individual honour to help his teammates achieve a clean sweep of the medals at the EAG. "The people of Hong Kong are proud to have such outstanding individuals representing them at major sporting events," Leung said.

Cyclist Wong Kam-po, the only athlete to capture medals at both the NG and the EAG, received a total of HK$310,000 in cash awards. "I fully support the Scheme. Although we are not competing for money, it's very heartening and satisfying for us to have our intense efforts recognised in this way. The Scheme can further encourage us to strive to reach the medal podium," said Wong.

Equestrian athlete Patrick Lam, who received the highest individual cash incentive of HK$330,000 after capturing two medals – a gold and a bronze – at the NG, said: "Financial support is a strong factor in sporting success. I am therefore very grateful for the long-term support of both the HKSI and Hang Seng Bank."

Squash player Chiu Wing-yin, who was awarded HK$237,000 – the highest individual cash incentive presented to an EAG medallist – echoed Wong and Lam's views. "With appropriate tangible and intangible support, Hong Kong's elite and junior athletes can concentrate on training and fully demonstrate their sporting talent," said Chiu.

Hong Kong's cycling team dominated in the men's individual road race at the EAG, taking the gold, silver and bronze medals. Bronze medallist Kwok Ho-ting said: "Support from the commercial sector signifies the public's recognition of our efforts and achievements. Sufficient funding is one of the key factors in ensuring future sports development."

Organised by the HKSI in 1994, the HKSI Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme provides cash awards to medal winners at seven major Games including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, FESPIC Games, East Asian Games, National Games, and World University Games.

Hang Seng Bank began to sponsor the Scheme in 1996 by matching the cash incentives offered by the HKSI on a dollar-for-dollar basis for local athletes who achieve outstanding performances at the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the National Games. In 2005, Hang Seng Bank extended the cash incentives to medallists of the East Asian Games. In recognition of Hong Kong's athletes' effort and commitment at the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Bank solely contributed over HK$1,000,000 to local athletes who achieved outstanding results at the Games.

To date, HK$15,758,000 has been awarded to 285 local athletes, of which HK$8,745,200 has been given by Hang Seng Bank.

Table of Cash Incentives Awarded to Hong Kong Medallists of the 11^th National Games (PDF)

Table of Cash Incentives Awarded to Hong Kong Medallists of the 5^th East Asian Games (PDF)