Chairman’s Statement
I am delighted that Hong Kong athletes achieved sensational breakthroughs on the world stage in 2021/22, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. These successes mark a significant milestone not only for Hong Kong's sporting history, but also for the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), which this year celebrated the 30th anniversary of its mission to nurture world-class athletes. In recent years, the elite sports in Hong Kong have developed rapidly through the continued support of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) Government and the sports sector. Nowhere was this support more visible than in each impressive moment at both Games and the public's enthusiastic support for the athletes.
Hong Kong athletes demonstrated their indomitable spirit during the pandemic. Overcoming difficulty after difficulty to prepare for the Multi-Sports Games and other international competitions, they achieved remarkable success, including an unprecedented six medals at the Tokyo Olympics – 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze, twice as many as in all previous editions combined. At the Tokyo Paralympics, Hong Kong athletes won 2 silver and 3 bronze medals, while they brought home a total of 12 gold, 1 silver and 11 bronze medals from the 14th National Games and the 11th National Games for Persons with Disabilities. Fencer Cheung Ka-long made history as Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medallist since the establishment of the HKSAR, and his performance swept the whole city in a wave of excitement. Swimmer Siobhan Haughey became a two-time Olympic silver medallist in Tokyo, then went on to break the world record in the women's 200m freestyle at the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), becoming the first Hong Kong swimmer to set a world record.
The successes of these athletes highlight the future's new challenges and opportunities. As the number of elite sports and the HKSI Scholarship Athletes has steadily increased, an urgent need has emerged for new facilities that can meet the demand for training venues and athlete accommodation. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain Hong Kong's standing in the field of world-class sports science and technology, as well as in elite training systems.
After the Tokyo Olympics, the HKSAR Government took multiple steps to support athletes and ensure the sustainable development of sports in Hong Kong. In addition to expediting the construction of a new facilities building, the HKSAR Government partnered with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to establish a HK$300 million "Booster Fund" to support the HKSI with research related to sports science, medicine and technology. The HKSAR Government also strengthened its support for sports development at the school level. Additionally, it committed to supporting elite athletes in their pursuit of dual career pathways in sports and academic study, while implementing a series of initiatives to facilitate the development of the sports industry. On behalf of the HKSI, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government for these comprehensive and far-reaching measures.
To stay at the forefront of global trends in elite sports development, the HKSI has maintained close collaborations with international counterparts. During the year, the HKSI held a workshop with its Asian partners on sports development to explore best practices and opportunities during the pandemic. We also actively cooperated with local scientific research institutes, including the Sports Aerodynamics Science Initiative in cooperation with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology since 2019, which helped cyclists and windsurfers enhance their performances at the Tokyo Olympics.
Academic support is indispensable to athletes' holistic development. The HKSI has developed collaborative partnerships with tertiary institutions to foster the most suitable dual career pathways for elite athletes. This year, the HKSI and Hong Kong Metropolitan University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer substantial support to help realise dual development in sports and academics. As of the year end, the HKSI had signed MOUs with 12 local tertiary institutions. In a key development for athletes' education, the University Grants Committee launched the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme to facilitate the direct admission of elite athletes with achievements in sports and offer those working towards a dual-track career flexible, personalised assistance tailored to their needs.
Although the pandemic persisted throughout the year, the HKSI found ways to actively engage with the community. As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the HKSI held its first-ever shopping mall roadshow, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors who learned about the life of an elite athlete and the stories behind their successes. The Hong Kong Jockey Club staged its first Hong Kong Elite Athletes Raceday to recognise the excellence of Hong Kong athletes and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the HKSI.
Following the landmark success of Hong Kong athletes on the world stage, on behalf of the Board, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee; the National Sports Associations; and the education sector, media, sponsors and the community for their long-term support and collaboration. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the Board, management team, coaches and staff of the HKSI for their joint efforts and the commission of their expertise in their respective fields in order to help athletes excel.
Despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic, I am convinced that through our continued collective effort, we will overcome any obstacles and challenges we face in supporting Hong Kong athletes to deliver excellent results in the international sporting arena and bring more honour to Hong Kong!
Dr Lam Tai-fai GBS JP
Chairman, Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited