The proposal was among nearly 60 that it submitted for possible inclusion in the SAR’s upcoming first five-year plan, with the focus for the political party being sports industrialisation.
Lawmaker Vincent Cheng said upgrading the committee to the level of a task force could foster more collaboration with authorities from various bureaus to enable better preparations for the hosting of mega sports events amid long-held concerns over the adequacy of the existing committee to handle major tasks.
“If the task force for major sports events coordination can cooperate with different bureaus, then, when we host a major sports events, we can have a bigger picture of the event to be [successful],” he said.
“Secondly, we hope that we can facilitate more investment to attract more international sport companies to come to Hong Kong.
“I think the task force can be one of the very good organisations [to help the city] host different events and promotions, to let the outside world know we have Kai Tak Stadium or other stadiums.”
Cheng went on to say that apart from granting such a task force more coordinating power, it could also analyse data, such as economic benefits, the number of participants and the ratio of travellers after events are held, to formulate more comprehensive planning for tourist facilities and strategies for promoting economic possibilities at the district level.
He also suggested that Kai Tak Sports Park, which opened last March, be tasked with more roles instead of solely acting as a venue provider.
For instance, he said, the park’s operator could take a more proactive role in attracting international sports companies to set up shop here or play a part in helping young people who are interested in sports in furthering their careers.
Cheng also proposed the government renovate other major sports venues in the city, including Kowloon and Victoria parks, which were built decades ago, so they can meet the latest requirements for the hosting of international events and be used to stage more elite tournaments in the city.
