INTRODUCTION
The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC), one of the three committees under the Sports Commission (SC), is tasked to advise the Government through the SC on the hosting policy and resource allocation for major sports events in Hong Kong. The MSEC provides a decision-making framework for determining the Government's funding priorities and involvement in hosting major sports events in the city. The policy sets out the Government's role in hosting events and provides a mechanism for assessing proposals against established criteria. It also provides for the monitoring of events to ensure that the public funding provided is used properly and cost-effectively.
In order to help nurture more sustainable major sports events, the MSEC launched the "M" Mark System and Support Packages (the "M" Mark System) in November 2004. "M" Mark status will be awarded to the recognised major sports events held in Hong Kong. A package of tailor-made support measures is provided to meet the needs of individual "M" Mark events to help them evolve into regular, market-oriented and profitable events.
OBJECTIVES OF ESTABLISHING THE "M" MARK SYSTEM
- to attract and support the staging of premier international sports events in Hong Kong, thereby enhancing their appeal to local audience and tourists as well as strengthening Hong Kong's position as a centre for major international sports events;
- to explore long-term partnership with individual events with proven excellent track record with a view to bringing significant economic benefits to Hong Kong;
- to help and support National Sports Associations (NSAs), private or non-government organisations develop sustainable major sports events that are considered beneficial to the community through encouraging greater participation and support from the commercial sector as well as the community at large;
- to instil a sustainable sporting culture, foster a sense of pride and social cohesion in the community; and
- to provide opportunities for local athletes to compete on home ground and the general public to watch high-level competitions.
SUPPORT FOR "M" MARK EVENTS
- advice from the MSEC concerning the organisation, sponsorship, marketing and promotion strategies for events;
- coordinated logistic support from relevant government departments to support the planning and organising of the events;
- enhanced local and overseas publicity opportunities for "M" Mark events;
- funding support: comprising matching fund and/or direct grants;
- additional one-off $1 million direct grant for marketing and publicity purposes for new "M" Mark events (except Exhibition Matches or Tournaments);
- notional venue charges (NVC) for events using Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) venues; and
- venue hiring grant of up to $3 million on a pilot basis for using Hong Kong Stadium and non-LCSD venues.
