Chief Executive John Lee today visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to better understand its development plans and show his support to local athletes.

At the training facilities for table tennis, badminton, karate and wushu, as well as those of sports for athletes with disabilities, Mr Lee chatted with coaches and young athletes to learn about their training arrangements and the athletes’ dual development in sports and academics.

The Chief Executive said: “Hong Kong athletes have been participating in international competitions using the name ‘Hong Kong, China’ since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Our athletes’ progressive improvement in performance and the numerous awards garnered by them have made Hong Kong people very proud.

“The newly established Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau will strengthen the efforts in promoting sports in the community, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, supporting elite sports, enhancing professionalism in the sports sector and developing sports as an industry.

“I look forward to seeing Hong Kong athletes continue to shine in the international sports arena.”

To enhance the training facilities, $990 million has been allocated for a main works project on a new facilities building at the HKSI. During today’s visit, HKSI representatives briefed the Chief Executive on the project as well as the plans on upgrading support services in sports science and sports medicine.