Hong Kong doubles sports budget to $9.2 billion: John Lee

The government’s budget expenditures on sports development in the current fiscal year exceed HK$9.2 billion, more than double the HK$4.3 billion allocated a decade ago, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday. 

Speaking at the commendation ceremony of the SAR delegation to the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), Lee said that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will take the successful hosting of the National Games as a starting point to further deepen cooperation in sports.   

He believed that the exceptional achievements of Hong Kong athletes reflect their hard training and demonstrate that the government’s continued efforts in training elite athletes and refining sports policies are on the right track.

At the National Games, Hong Kong won a total of 31 medals: 12 gold, eight silver, and 11 bronze, placing in the top eight in 19 events, along with one first prize, two second prizes, and one third prize.  

In the NGD and NSOG, the city secured 142 medals: 52 gold, 50 silver, and 40 bronze. 

Lee highlighted that Hong Kong athletes have achieved the best result ever in the games. He acknowledged not only their impressive performances in competitions but also the hard work, injuries, and challenges they faced during training. 

He commended their extraordinary resilience and strong teamwork, emphasizing that these qualities embody the core values of sports that inspire and uplift the community.  He celebrated the athletes’ efforts in bringing glory to Hong Kong and called for everyone to applaud their accomplishments.