Elite status can help Hong Kong sailors breeze to more success
Hong Kong sailing is targeting global success after being raised to elite status at the Sports Institute.
Hong Kong sailing is targeting global success after being raised to elite status at the Sports Institute.
A new full-time coaching director has been appointed to oversee the training and performance of sailors targeting international honours.
The resources provided by the Hong Kong Sports Institute ... will go a long way to ensuring our teams are competitive
Richard Knight will plan and manage training programmes for the Hong Kong Sailing Federation squad, including the elite athletes, as well as strategies for high-performance local sailors coming through the ranks.
HKSF president Warwick Downes said the new status reflects the recent successes of Hong Kong sailors at international level as well as the potential for other sailors to attain world-class honours.
Tse Siu-lun and Chik Ho-yin won a silver medal in the men's Asian 420 championships last year, while Tong Yui-shing and Tong Kit-fong sailed their Hobie 16 to a bronze medal at last year's Incheon Asian Games.
"The resources provided by the Hong Kong Sports Institute such as specialist coaches, training facilities, medical, technical and financial support, will go a long way to ensuring our teams are competitive. It will also raise the profile and enthusiasm for sailing among the next generation," Downes said.