Speech by DCS at Prize Ceremony of Hong Kong Lacrosse Open 2025
Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at thePrize Ceremony of the Hong Kong Lacrosse Open 2025today (April 20):
Mr Warren Allderige (Chairman of Hong Kong, China Lacrosse Association), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Happy Easter and good evening. I am excited to be among so many youths. It is real pleaure to join you this evening at the Prize Ceremony of the Hong Kong Lacrosse Open 2025. First and foremost, let me extend my warmest congratulations to all winning teams on your spectacular performance.
The Hong Kong Lacrosse Open is one of Asia's most competitive lacrosse tournaments. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event has welcomed to Hong Kong a record-breaking 72 teams and over 700 athletes. With the addition of the U16, U12, U10 and U8 divisions, it brings a welcome new complexion to the sport. The unprecedented number of youth divisions participating in the event not only generates fresh momentum to the sport's development but also facilitates the grooming of young talents. Featuring some of the most gifted players from across Asia, the rounds of riveting matches have provided an invaluable opportunity for athletes to test their skills, widen their exposure and pursue excellence. I believe all players have found this action-packed weekend to be a thrilling and rewarding experience.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Hong Kong, China Lacrosse Association, sponsors, supporting units and dedicated volunteers for bringing us this prominent event. I also wish to applaud the organiser's remarkable efforts in providing training to our young athletes to help them gear up for this tournament and the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific U16 Lacrosse Championship to be held in Jeju, Korea, this August.
Lacrosse has seen tremendous growth worldwide over the past years. The inclusion of sixes lacrosse in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is an apt recognition of the sport's enduring legacy, its global popularity and growing prominence. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to support the Hong Kong, China Lacrosse Association in organising tournaments and training programmes to enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong team and drive the long-term development of the game.
Lastly, I wish all athletes good luck in future tournaments and our visitors a memorable time going around the city during your stay in Hong Kong.Thank you.
Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies
A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.
On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.
Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.
A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.
Source: AI-found images
