Hong Kong to improve coach training and governance issues, review funding for athletes
In his policy address, Chief Executive John Lee says objective is to strengthen city’s sporting abilities, make it a centre for mega-events
Hong Kong will look to strengthen the city’s sporting prowess by enhancing the development of elite athletes and coaches, and turning the city into a centre for large international sports events.
Speaking during his policy address on Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced a review of athletes’ and para-athletes’ funding, better training for coaches and reform of the governance of local sports bodies.
Lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong, who has been vocal on governance issues concerning Hong Kong’s weightlifting and swimming National Sports Associations (NSA) in the past, said it was good to see the government taking a harder stance on the issue.
“Previously, I don’t think that the [Hong Kong] government took a hard enough stance on this kind of issue. Now it is, so I think it’s a good sign, going forward,” Ho said.
“I think the goal of such governance is that it’s not going to be a law, it’s going to be a direction towards how sports associations in general should be run.
