RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
The board has been active in securing additional funds from the commercial sector in support of development programmes organised by the national sports associations. The Sports Sponsorship Advisory Service, officially launched in June 1992, generated $15.4 million in sponsorship funding in 1993–94, with a number of agreements running for several years.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute was amalgamated with the Hong Kong Sports Development Board on April 1, 1994. As a result, the board has become the statutory body with overall responsibility for the promotion and development of sports in Hong Kong and for resource allocation. Within broad parameters set by the Hong Kong Sports Development Board, the Hong Kong Sports Institute continues its role as the technical arm of sports in Hong Kong in the areas of athlete development; sports education and development; sports science, sports medicine and research; resource information; international exchanges; and co-operation with other sporting bodies. The main aim is to provide an environment in which athletic talent can be identified, nurtured and developed.
In 1993-94, the Hong Kong Sports Institute offered a sports scholarship scheme in 17 sports for over 250 elite local athletes. Scholarship-holders received different levels of support services in coaching, facilities, accommodation, dietary advice, sports science, sports medicine, fitness training, overseas training and support for education and employ- ment. The 17 sports covered were cycling, diving, badminton, sports for the disabled, fencing, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, tenpin bowling, track and field, triathlon, windsurfing and wushu.
Sporting Achievements
Hong Kong athletes participated in many international sporting events in 1994 and enjoyed some significant successes.
One of the territory's windsurfers attained first position in the overall world ranking announced by the International Yacht Racing Union. In table-tennis, Hong Kong players were ranked fifth in women's singles and sixth in women's doubles in the world ranking determined by the International Table Tennis Federation.
At the 1994 World Wheelchair Fencing Championships, one gold medal was won in the men's épée individual event and two bronze medals were won in the men's épée and sabre
team events.
Hong Kong athletes also performed well in windsurfing, table-tennis, fencing and squash in the Commonwealth Championships and Asian competitions. A total of four gold, two silver and four bronze medals in table-tennis and fencing were won at the Commonwealth Championships. In addition, squash, fencing and windsurfing athletes won two gold, one silver and six bronze medals at the Asian Championships.
A total of 53 Hong Kong athletes took part in the 15th Commonwealth Games held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in August. It was the last time Hong Kong athletes were to compete in the Commonwealth Games. They brought home three bronze medals in lawn bowls and one bronze medal in badminton.
A contingent of 118 athletes took part in the 12th Asian Games held in Hiroshima in Japan in October. Hong Kong athletes won a total of six silver and seven bronze medals. The silver medals were in windsurfing, rowing, table tennis and wushu and the bronze medals in rowing, judo, swimming, table tennis, wushu and yachting.
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