In the 2011-12 Budget Speech, Financial Secretary John Tsang proposed to set up a HK$7 billion “Elite Athletes Development Fund”, the investment return of which will replace the current mode of providing subvention to the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI). This long-term and stable funding support has been welcomed by HKSI Chairman Dr Eric Li and Chief Executive Dr Trisha Leahy.

Dr Li says that the funding will help make the HKSI a world-class training centre, providing more support to elite athletes, and strengthen our efforts to identify and train young athletes with potential in collaboration with the National Sports Associations. For the full text of Dr Li’s response to the Budget Speech, please click here.

In an interview with news.gov.hk, Dr Leahy expresses that the new fund will also enable the HKSI to strategically resource the critical success factors to help athletes obtain sustainable world-class results, such as hiring more world-class coaches, enhancing elite-athlete lifestyle support systems and scientific and technology support, and maximising relationships with international competitors. For the full interview, please click here.

The HKSI looks forward to continue its relationship with the Government, Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and National Sports Associations to ensure Hong Kong athletes achieve world standard results.

Jamie Wong

Impressed by cyclist Jamie Wong’s performance at the Guangzhou Asian Games last year, the outdoor advertising company POAD has invited her to endorse its corporate brand. For the first time selecting an athlete as an image icon, POAD wishes to disseminate the virtue of perseverance to the public through its extensive advertising channels. The series will soon be launched at various tram shelters and outdoor billboards.