Set up in January 1997, the sports portion of the ASDF has since been one of the major funding sources for the development of sports in Hong Kong. The ASDF, being a sub-fund under the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation, was set up in accordance with the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation Ordinance (Cap. 1128).
The ASDF (Sports Portion) currently supports sports projects of the following categories:
- supporting athletes to prepare for and participate in major international games, National Games and competitions of different sports at World and Asian levels;
- supporting the hosting of international sports events locally by NSAs and other sports organisations, including “M” Mark events and major international sports events;
- upgrading school and district-level programmes to boost community participation in sports;
- supporting the development of local football;
- promoting development of team-sports; and
- other one-off initiatives that are important to the development and promotion of sports in Hong Kong.