(Policy Address 2024) Develop a host city economy in sports industry

John Lee said on Wednesday that the SAR government will promote sports development and build Hong Kong into a center for mega international sports events, including developing a host city economy in the sports industry.

Lee said the government will continue to support athletes to participate in different large-scale international competitions and make full use of the new landmark Kai Tak Sports Park and other existing venues to host large-scale international competitions so that Hong Kong teams can compete on home soil, building their own audience.

The government will also enhance the development of elite athletes and coaches, boost sports promotion in the community, and reform the governance of national sports associations, said Lee.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment plan for the Hong Kong Stadium will be reviewed to ensure its synergy with the Kai Tak Sports Park.

Lee said the inter-departmental Task Force on Kai Tak Sports Park, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, will ramp up efforts in overseeing the smooth completion and commissioning of the Sports Park and its publicity work, fostering the synergistic development of major sports events, innovative entertainment, dining, conventions and exhibitions, as well as tourism activities.

The task force will also formulate thorough plans and conduct comprehensive drills on security deployment, crowd management, emergency response, and other areas.