HKSAR Government supports issuance of written reprimand to HKIHA by SF&OC
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The HKIHA failed to fully adhere to the guidelines in taking adequate measures to ensure that the organiser played the correct national anthem during the Ice Hockey World Championship held in Bosnia on February 28 this year. The HKIHA admitted responsibility for the failure.
The SF&OC Board of Officers decided to give the HKIHA a written reprimand following its meeting this morning. The HKSAR Government supports the SF&OC's decision and considers it an appropriate disciplinary action. The HKIHA and other national sports associations should learn from this incident. In order to safeguard national dignity, they must comply with all requirements as stipulated in the guidelines in the future, and make their best endeavours to ensure the organiser plays the correct national anthem.
The HKSAR Government fully supports the SF&OC's request for the HKIHA to further improve its corporate governance. The SF&OC is vested with both the duty and power to ensure that member national sports associations maintain good governance, so as to ensure good development of their respective sports and provision of comprehensive support to athletes. The HKSAR Government urges the HKIHA to duly address the issues pointed out by the SF&OC and make improvements as soon as possible.
As the SF&OC has pointed out various concerns in the corporate governance of the HKIHA, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is further reviewing the use of government funding by the HKIHA, with a view to identifying room for improvements and ensuring the proper use of public resources. The aim is to make sure that public resources are used effectively in the promotion of ice hockey and provision of better support to athletes in their training and international competitions.
Ends/Thursday, May 18, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:05
Issued at HKT 16:05
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