ENG-2019 — Page 365

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Recreation, Sport, Culture and the Arts

and taekwondo, and two Tier B physical disability sports, comprising para lawn bowls and para tenpin bowling. Outstanding athletes whose sports fall outside these two tiers are covered under an Individual Athletes Support Scheme.

Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China

The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China is recognised as a National Olympic Committee by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is a member of the IOC, the Olympic Council of Asia, the Association of National Olympic Committee and the East Asian Olympic Committees. The federation organises Hong Kong's participation in all major international, continental and regional multi-sports games, such as the summer and winter Olympic Games and the summer and winter Asian Games.

With a membership of 79 NSAs and sports organisations, the federation represents the collective voice of the Hong Kong sports community. Most of its members are NSAs, which are in turn affiliated to their Asian federations (AFs) and international federations (IFs). The NSAs are empowered to coordinate and conduct activities related to their sports, including recreational programmes for the community, and training programmes and competitions for novices and elite athletes locally. They organise and sanction participation in overseas competitions and train coaches and referees. They also enforce local and international rules and regulations and represent Hong Kong at IF and AF meetings.

The federation coordinates the annual Festival of Sport from April to May, featuring about 80 activities organised by more than 60 NSAs to promote sport for all. Extensive educational programmes are also available for sports leaders, administrators, coaches and technical officials, notably through the Hong Kong Olympic Academy, which offers sports management and sports science courses.

Under the support of the government and commercial sponsors, the federation organises the annual Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards to recognise the achievements of top athletes.

The federation also helps athletes through its Hong Kong Athletes Career and Education Programme to obtain educational qualifications and a career after retiring from athletic life. Funded by sponsors, a separate charitable company set up under the federation operates the Sports Legacy Scheme to develop the potential of students through a team of retired and retiring athletes.

The independent Hong Kong Anti-Doping Committee, formed under the auspices of the federation, plans and implements education and testing programmes to enforce a dope-free environment for fair play under the guidance of the World Anti-doping Agency.

Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled

The Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled promotes the Paralympic movement in Hong Kong and helps local para athletes achieve sporting excellence. It identifies and nurtures young para athletes to shine in international sporting events.

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