Retired athletes to receive 'contribution' reward
Sports stars who are coming to the end of their careers will be given a financial cushion to kick-start a new career
A new scheme will kick off soon to reward retired athletes with a lump sum to help them in their future careers, the government said yesterday.
At yesterday's Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards presentation, deputy secretary for Home Affairs Jonathan McKinley said all full-time athletes would benefit from the scheme, which offered a one-off cash award as a reward for the athlete's achievements and dedication.
"The scheme is designed in conjunction with the Sports Institute, head coaches and athletes and details will be announced soon," the official said.
"All we can say is it will be a recognition scheme for the full-time athletes' performance over the years and part of it is also to encourage the younger athletes to go into full-time [training].
"This is to be done on top of other current support they receive and we will work out a complete scheme that will encourage people to commit to full-time training."
It will be a recognition scheme for the full-time athletes' performance over the years and part of it is also to encourage the younger athletes to go into full-time [training]
The scheme will reward full-time athletes whose sporting careers are coming to an end and act as a buffer before they embark on another career. "With the help of the scheme, an athlete doesn't have to jump into the first job that comes along only because he needs the money.