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The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee Ka-chiu GBM SBS PDSM PMSM announced today in the 2024 Policy Address that the HKSI is reviewing the mechanism of Direct Financial Support for athletes (including athletes with disabilities) to enhance the training system, and has set up a committee to oversee the development of sports medicine and sports science. Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI welcomed the initiatives and agreed that the proposals by the Chief Executive demonstrate the Government’s profound understanding of the needs of elite sports development.

Mr Tang expressed his gratitude to the Chief Executive for his commitment to the development of elite sports, saying, “The HKSI is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the Direct Financial Support for elite athletes (including athletes with disabilities), aiming to provide them with greater financial stability. This will help athletes focus on their training and strive for sporting excellence. In addition to financial support, the HKSI will also enhance its science-based, athlete-centred training system, covering elite training, lifestyle support, and dual career development etc.”

Mr Tang further underscored the importance the HKSI places on the application of sports science and medicine. He noted that the newly established committee will facilitate the collection of diverse professional opinions, coordinate and evaluate on the roll out of overall programme and strategies for sports science and medicine. The committee is set to convene its inaugural meeting later this month.

The New Facility Building of HKSI, which will open soon, will not only provide athletes with state-of-the-art training facilities but also enhance the functions of several elite training technology centres. Additionally, the HKSI is actively collaborating with various institutions and organisations. Last year, the HKSI and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) established the PolyU-HKSI Research Centre to promote research in elite sports. Furthermore, the HKSI is about to commence collaboration with the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM) to create a platform for professionals to exchange the latest advancements and enhance the expertise of medical personnel in sports medicine.

The Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme, jointly funded by the Government and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a total injection of HK$300 million, currently supports 27 research projects in collaboration with various institutions. These projects benefit multiple Tier A Sports and Tier A Para Sports.

In recent years, Hong Kong athletes have achieved historic successes at Major Games. Mr Tang believes that the policy direction and resource allocation from the Government will assist athletes prepare for upcoming significant competitions, such as the 15^th National Games and the 12^th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau next year, as well as the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games. He stated, “The HKSI is fully committed to collaborating with the Government for implementing the sports policies and working with stakeholders to bring local elite sports development to new heights.”