SHA visits Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China (with photos)
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, visited the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China (the Association) today (May 8). Accompanied by the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, Mr Tsui inspected the work of the Association in implementing the Fitness Centre Subsidy Scheme (the Scheme) launched under the second phase of the Anti-epidemic Fund.
"The Scheme aims to provide a one-off subsidy of $100,000 to fitness centres to tide businesses over the financial difficulties arising from the precautionary measures taken in view of the epidemic. We thank the Association for handling the applications of the Scheme for the Government and believe that the eligible applicants will receive the subsidy very soon," said Mr Tsui.
Mr Tsui also expressed gratitude to the fitness industry for complying with the Government's preventive measures, including suspension of business, in the fight against virus. In view of the stabilising epidemic situation, the Government has conducted a health risk assessment and will allow premises, including fitness centres, to resume operations starting from today provided that corresponding preventive measures have been adopted. Mr Tsui hopes that the fitness industry will soon regain vitality.
The Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) has commissioned the Association to assist in implementing the Scheme, which has been open for application from May 4. As at May 7, the Association has received 397 applications, of which more than half of the applications have been checked to be eligible initially, involving subsidies of around $20 million. The other applications are still being processed. The application period for the Scheme will end on June 3. The application details of the Scheme are available on the website of the HAB (www.hab.gov.hk/en/aef_fitness_centre_subsidy_scheme). For enquiries concerning the Scheme and the application procedure, please call 2302 9089 or email to subsidy@hkpfa.org.hk.
