CSTB welcomes SF&OC’s Corporate Governance Review Report
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With an aim to further enhance the corporate governance and operational transparency of national sports associations (NSAs), the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has engaged the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) to conduct a comprehensive review on the corporate governance and operations of the NSAs, and formulate a set of code of governance for compliance by all the NSAs. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has received the review report and the Code of Governance submitted by the SF&OC, and agreed with the recommendations and directions as set out therein.
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, attended a briefing held by the SF&OC today (November 20) for the NSAs on the review report and the Code of Governance. Mr Yeung said, “The sports sector should have a stable, clear and credible governance system. This review sets an important direction in areas on which the NSAs should further improve; the SF&OC has also formulated a detailed and systematic Code of Governance.”
The review report and the Code of Governance provide useful recommendations to the NSAs on various aspects of good governance, including the composition and turnover of the governing team, procedures and records on important decisions, review and handling of conflicts of interest, transparency of system, integrity management, selection of athletes, management of coaches and umpires, and administration of membership.
The review report and the Code of Governance by the SF&OC has responded to the call by the Government and met public expectations. Mr Yeung hopes that the NSAs will collaborate and have useful exchanges with the SF&OC in taking forward the recommended measures in the coming two years. With the concerted efforts in implementing the related measures to enhance the corporate governance and operational efficiency of the NSAs, a fair and professional environment is ensured for Hong Kong athletes to realise their potential. The sports sector of Hong Kong can continue its sustainable development under a solid foundation.
Mr Yeung thanked the SF&OC, as well as the three members of the independent steering committee, namely Mr Ma Ching-nam, Dr York Chow and Mr Tang King-shing, for their endeavours and constructive guidance throughout the review process which has greatly enabled the SF&OC in accomplishing this important task.