Hong Kong, China, May 12, 2021: The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China has welcomed the news that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has bought the broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The deal was announced on Tuesday, May 11 and means that the Olympics will be available free to air by five TV stations in Hong Kong.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam said it was important that Hong Kong people could cheer for their athletes competing in Tokyo, and that the move would provide much-needed cheer in these difficult times of the pandemic.
The SF&OC issued a statement on May 11 saying: “Regarding the announcement this morning that the HKSAR Government will allocate - through the Art and Sports Development Fund - to purchase the broadcasting rights for Tokyo 2020 in Hong Kong, and has secured a consensus from the five local licensed TV broadcasters to cooperate in broadcasting Tokyo 2020 for all Hong Kong citizens to watch for free, the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China is delighted to learn of this and welcomes the arrangement.
“Since early 2020, with the leadership of Mr. Kenneth K. K. Fok, the Vice President of SF&OC, the Federation has raised the concern about the broadcasting rights of Tokyo 2020 in Hong Kong.
“The Task Force on Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Broadcasting has been formed to keep close liaison with the HKSAR Government and all local broadcasters with a view to achieving the objective of live broadcasting of Tokyo 2020 in Hong Kong.
“We are glad to know that, through the effort of various parties, we have finally achieved the success. This outcome will certainly enable all Hong Kong citizens to give their best support to the participating Hong Kong athletes through watching the events in Tokyo 2020, while fighting against the epidemic together.
“In addition, the Hong Kong Olympic Fans Club, an affiliated company of the SF&OC, will make use of this opportunity to prepare and arrange a series of activities to promote Tokyo 2020 in the community so that all Hong Kong citizens can experience the on-site atmosphere and cheer for the Hong Kong athletes with their enthusiastic support. The detailed arrangements will be announced later.”
Issued by: Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. Date: 11 May 2021