Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Yeung Tak-keung will be Commissioner for Sports from February 1.
He will co-ordinate the efforts of various government bureaus and departments, National Sports Associations and other related organisations.
He will promote and achieve the Government's policy objectives of encouraging sport in the community, supporting elite sports development and making Hong Kong a hub for major international sports events.
Secretary for Home Affairs Lau Kong-wah said Mr Yeung is passionate about sport and has participated in a wide range of ball games and distance running competitions since his schooldays.
He has gained solid experience in both administration and management since he joined administrative service in 1994, including helping organise equestrian events for 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This is in addition to his roles in sports development in Yuen Long as its District Officer, helping it to achieve remarkable results at the 2nd and 3rd Hong Kong Games.
"The appointment will provide the Commissioner for Sports with a clearer mandate in terms of functions and responsibilities, thereby enhancing his liaison with sports organisations both within and outside Hong Kong," Mr Lau said, noting that sport promotion involves different fields of work, activities and stakeholders.
Mr Yeung said he looks forward to working closely with the sports sector and other stakeholders, and making concerted efforts to further develop sport in Hong Kong.
One of the commissioner’s important tasks is to co-operate with sports associations to help Hong Kong athletes attain good results at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to be held in Brazil later this year.
The commissioner will also step up promotion of the two events in Hong Kong by engaging the public to support the athletes.
He will also take forward the development of the Kai Tak Multi-purpose Sports Complex, spearhead the development of a Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O, review the provision of sports facilities in Hong Kong, formulate strategies for enhancing the governance of national sports associations and support sports for the disabled.
