Lawmaker Advocates for Flexibility in Sports Funding
In a bid to improve the current sports funding system, Kenneth Fok, the city’s sports sector lawmaker, is calling for more flexibility to support athletes beyond just Olympic and Asian Games participation. Fok highlighted that the global sports landscape is constantly evolving, with various international competitions gaining prominence over time.
Tiered Support Mechanism in Hong Kong
Sports in Hong Kong are categorized into three tiers: Tier A*, Tier A, and Tier B. Tier A* includes sports like fencing and swimming, which are deemed to have the potential to excel at the Olympics, thus receiving the highest level of support. Meanwhile, Tier A comprises sports with athletes who have competed in previous Olympics or Asian Games and are expected to continue doing so.
Risk of Funding Reduction for Billiard Sports
However, billiard sports face the risk of losing up to 80 percent of their current funding due to not meeting the criteria of participating in enough Asian and Olympic games between 2010 and 2030 to qualify for Tier A support. Fok emphasized that the achievements of SAR snooker players should not be overlooked solely based on their lack of participation in these specific events.
Concerns and Commitment from the Billiard Sports Council
Vincent Law, chairman of the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China, expressed concerns that billiard sports could be demoted to Tier B as early as April next year, impacting the support available for athletes in this category. Despite the uncertainty surrounding funding, Law affirmed that both the council and athletes would continue their efforts and utilize the resources provided by the government to the fullest.
By advocating for a more flexible and inclusive approach to sports funding, Fok aims to ensure that athletes across various disciplines have the opportunity to shine on the international stage, not just limited to traditional Olympic and Asian Games events. This proposed shift in the funding mechanism could potentially open doors for emerging sports and provide greater support to athletes excelling in different arenas beyond the established norms.
