The Government provides resources to the HKSI, the SF&OC, schools and sports organisations to support retired athletes in their education and career transformation:
(a) Financial Subsidy
(b) Career Development and Education Support
(c) Personal Development Support
Elite Athletes Performance Recognition Scheme
Since 2015, the HKSI has launched the Elite Athletes Performance Recognition Scheme to provide one-off cash grants to eligible retired full-time athletes, with a maximum amount of over $980,000, to strengthen support towards their pursuit of a second career after retirement.
(b) Career Development and Education Support
Retired Athletes Transformation Programme
Since 2018, we have launched the Retired Athletes Transformation Programme to subsidise eligible schools and NSAs to employ retired athletes to help promote sports, as well as identify and nurture potential sports talents. Participating retired athletes who are studying at tertiary institutions may receive a maximum subsidy of $40,000 in the form of reimbursement.
Sports Legacy Scheme
The Hong Kong Athletes Career and Education Programme (HKACEP) of the SF&OC has launched the Sports Legacy Scheme since 2012. Retired athletes of various sports are hired as coaches in schools to identify and nurture potential student athletes, promote the spirit of Olympism, and develop perseverance, virtues and fitness in students.
Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme
The HKSI provides pre-retirement elite athletes who aim to become coaches with tailored apprenticeship experience. Athletes would receive monthly allowances during the apprenticeship while gaining relevant work experience.
HKAF
Retired athletes may apply for education grants under the HKAF within two years of retirement from sports.
Other Support from SF&OC and HKSI
The SF&OC supports retired athletes through HKACEP by providing counselling, scholarships, career-related training, language courses and job matching.
The HKSI also collaborates with Beijing Sport University to offer the Bachelor of Education Programme in Sports Training (Part-time).
(c) Personal Development Support
Ambassador Programme
The HKACEP has launched the Ambassador Programme since 2009. Retired athletes will visit various organisations to share their personal stories in their sports career at seminars, so as to take up social responsibilities to inject positive energy to the community.
"Stars to Shine" Mentorship Programme
The HKACEP has launched the "Stars to Shine" Mentorship Programme since 2018 to foster close mentor-mentee relationship between renowned retired athletes and newly retired athletes, providing valuable opportunities for newly retired athletes to learn from and exchange with their mentors.
Other Support from the SF&OC and the HKSI
Through the HKACEP, the SF&OC supports retired athletes by providing courses on life skills training, such as communication and public speaking skills, event planning, decision analysis etc. The HKSI provides athletes and their post-athletic career development with educational and vocational support, including educational counselling, academic support, tutorial support, education subsidy, life skills / vocational training, athletes exchange, coaching apprenticeship programme, etc. through the Athlete Lifestyle Support Programmes.