The Hong Kong government said that a new scheme "will kick off soon to reward retired athletes with a lump sum to help them in their future careers," according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Hong Kong Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Jonathan McKinley said that "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." McKinley:
"The scheme is designed in conjunction with the Sports Institute, head coaches and athletes and details will be announced soon. 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]." He "did not reveal the amount the scheme is worth, but it is believed to be equivalent to a year's maximum grant to an elite athlete."
That means if an athlete receives a HK$30,000 ($3,800) elite training monthly grant, then he will probably receive HK$400,000 ($51,500) when he retires, "depending on which year he did his full-time training" (SCMP, 10/22).
