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With the strong support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the HKSI is developing a new facilities building. The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the HKSI New Facilities Building took place today and was officiated by Mrs Carrie Lam GBM GBS, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Dr Lam Tai-fai SBS JP, Chairman of the HKSI. Members of the Executive Council, Legislative Council, sports community, coaches and athletes came together to witness the new milestone of the HKSI.

On behalf of the HKSI, Dr Lam thanked the HKSAR Chief Executive and Government for their trust and support, and said, “Thanks for the recognition and support of the HKSAR Chief Executive for constructing the new facilities building.” This year is the 30^th Anniversary of the HKSI. Dr Lam believed that the international profile of Hong Kong sport had been enhanced as a result of the hard work of the HKSI and the outstanding performance of the athletes. Dr Lam said, “The passion towards sports in the community not only solidified the society but also enhanced the sense of belonging and pride, demonstrating the soft power of sports.”

Dr Lam made four messages to the new-term Government, “First, devote more resources to support the development of the HKSI and second, develop new campus or satellite training centre for the HKSI’s long-term development of elite sports. Third, purchase the broadcasting rights of Major Games such as the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. Lastly, hope the new Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau consult and receive opinions from the HKSI when developing policy about elite sports development.”

The HKSAR Chief Executive said, “This may be my last sports-related event participated as the Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to review my more-than-a-decade journey with Hong Kong athletes and the joy witnessing their glorious moments at international arena.”

“In the past five years, the Government has spared no effort in supporting athletes in elite sports development. By injecting capital into the “Elite Athletes Development Fund” to enhance athletes’ training and support, the annual expenditure of the HKSI has increased from HK$560 million in 2017-18 to HK$900 million in this financial year, an increase of more than 60%.The Hong Kong, China Delegation historically captured 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games last year, and the number of Tier A* sports elite sports raised from four to six, which are the fruitful results. As early as the beginning of 2019, I had instructed the Home Affairs Bureau to negotiate the purchase of the broadcasting rights to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which cast the vote of confidence to Hong Kong athletes in advance.”

The three-storey high new facilities building of the HKSI, which has a net operating floor area of about 9,000m², comprises two world-class training venues, an upgraded Elite Training Science and Technology centre, as well as a new sports residence area. It will be a truly world-class training environment for elite athletes not only sustaining their long-term development, but also helping them continue to strive for sporting achievements to bring honour to Hong Kong.