The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 5) extended her congratulations to Hong Kong athlete Chu Man-kai on winning a silver medal in the Badminton Men's Singles SH6 event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
"Chu Man-kai claimed a gold medal in the Badminton Men's Singles SS6 event at the 2018 Asian Para Games. In the competitions at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he persevered and gave full play to his skills to stay ahead of competitors and outperformed strong opponents, winning a silver medal for Hong Kong. It is the first time that badminton has become an official sport at this Games. With the medals, Chu Man-kai and Chan Ho-yuen have made history in Hong Kong sports, making Hong Kong people proud," Mrs Lam said.
"The level of athletes with disabilities in various places has been rising continuously, yet Hong Kong athletes, with their distinguished performances and perseverance, have claimed a total of five medals at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, comprising two silver medals and three bronze medals. Their performances are admirable, which are the results of the athletes' hard work over the years. Their achievements inspire other people with disabilities in Hong Kong and also fill Hong Kong with positive energy.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has all along been giving full support for Hong Kong athletes with disabilities, with the establishment of Hong Kong Paralympians Fund in 2001. A pilot scheme on Elite Vote Support System for Disability Sports was launched in 2017 and regularised in 2019 to provide athletes with disabilities with the opportunity to receive full-time training and direct financial support. Overall speaking, the resources allocated by the Government to sports development for people with disabilities have increased substantially in recent years. The estimates of expenditure for 2021-22 is $100 million, more than doubling that for 2017-18.
"I announced in early August five measures to further the development of sports in Hong Kong, including expediting the new building project of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, establishing a fund to enhance the competitiveness of athletes, strengthening support for elite athletes' dual career development in sports and academic pursuits and developing the sports industry, benefitting athletes with disabilities and other athletes. I hope that Hong Kong athletes will keep up their efforts and bring glory home again in the future.
"The HKSAR Government secured the broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games and allowed five local commercial TV license holders to broadcast for free, which is well received by members of the public. The broadcasts by the Radio Television Hong Kong of competitions at the Tokyo Paralympic Games are also impressive. The Government will take stock of the experience to decide on the way forward. The TV stations will, as required by the Government, continue to arrange and broadcast programmes promoting sports development in a period after the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics," Mrs Lam said.
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