Governance guidelines issued to sports bodies

December 16, 2011

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has produced a set of best practice guidelines to help national sports associations enhance governance and transparency.
 
Launching the Best Practice Reference for National Sports Associations at a seminar today, ICAC Commissioner Timothy Tong said in view of the substantial amount of public money and interest involved, the community expects national sports associations to operate with a high degree of integrity, accountability and transparency.
 
“In consultation with the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee and various sports associations, the commission has recommended practical measures for sports bodies to enhance governance, step up integrity management and devise a fair system to select athletes to represent Hong Kong in international competitions.”
 
Dr Tong said the commission will work with the department to offer tailor-made corruption-prevention services to sports associations.
 
Also officiating at today’s seminar, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-shing said the move will boost governance and Hong Kong’s long-term sports development.
 
“To facilitate training for athletes and promote sporting activities in the community, government support and subventions to national sports associations have greatly enhanced. Not only the hard working athletes but also the general public have a high expectation for national sports associations to make proper use of their resources.”