Hong Kong China Rowing Association

Hong Kong, 9 February, 2021: Swiss private bank EFG today opened applications for the EFG Young Athletes Foundation scholarship programme. The campaign that helps identify and nurture Hong Kong’s sporting stars of tomorrow was launched in a virtual press conference featuring Mr Albert Chiu, EFG Bank Executive Chairman, Asia Pacific and Chairman of the EFG Young Athletes Foundation, and former Foundation scholar and Hong Kong Olympian, Ms Tiffany Chan.

The Foundation has proven successful in supporting many premier athletes, with Chan the prime example – having been supported by EFG as a promising junior in 2009, through to this very day as EFG Global Sport Ambassador and Hong Kong’s first LPGA Tour golfer. EFG also supports tennis athletes Eudice Chong, Hong Kong’s top ranked player, and rising star Cody Wong; up and coming equestrian Vincent Capol; and 17-year old Hong Kong National Ladies team golfer Chloe Chan.

The Foundation is open to amateur athletes recognized as elite in their sport or age group. Applicants must meet the Hong Kong three-year residency policy for consideration. Successful applicants are funded from a scholarship pool of up to HK$250,000 with the flexibility to use the stipend to aid their sporting career. Past recipients of the yearlong scholarship have had their training costs, competition travel, and specialized coaching supported with the help of the Foundation. With Covid-19 having a significant impact on local sport, the programme could come at a crucial time in the development for Hong Kong’s future sports stars.

Mr Albert Chiu said, “EFG is delighted to open applications for the EFG Young Athletes Foundation scholarship programme in 2021. Our mission to help local sportsmen and women realise their full potential remains vital, and we are grateful that the success of previous Scholars has borne out the value of the Foundation’s support.

“This support is more timely now with the pandemic challenging sport worldwide. At such a time, athletes need the encouragement of their community, especially emerging athletes, who may lack the resources to commit to refining their skills and are in danger of leaving their sport,” added Mr Chiu.

Scholars are judged based on more than sporting accomplishments and representative honours, but on character, sportsmanship, competitive drive, and their potential to become positive role models within their sport and community.

“Sport plays a vital role in developing a positive mindset and resilience for elite athletes and weekend warriors alike,” said Mr Chiu, a former FIFA referee and keen amateur golfer.

“Participating in sports contributes to mental and physical wellbeing, which is invaluable at a time like this, and EFG is always proud to play a role in supporting some of the most accomplished members of our community to succeed. We look forward to helping the next generation of scholars realize their potential, positively impact their peers, and represent Hong Kong with pride on the world stage,” added Mr Chiu.

The sentiments were echoed by Tiffany Chan, whom EFG first supported under its EFG Young Golfers Foundation (the precursor of the present Foundation), and was named an EFG Global Sport Ambassador after turning professional in 2017.

“Everyone at EFG and the Foundation has been proud to help Tiffany realize her dream of becoming an LPGA Tour star, and we appreciate her willingness to use her considerable profile to help our mission of encouraging future scholars,” added Mr Chiu, who encouraged athletes from all sports to apply.

Chan commented on the pivotal role that the Foundation and EFG have played in her career, saying: “They helped me fully commit to my golf, and maintain my focus on my academics and personal development. EFG’s whole person approach helped give me the confidence and self-belief to play alongside the best in the world and represent Hong Kong at the Olympics.

“Throughout my career, the support of EFG Bank – and the Foundation donors, has played a vital role in my progress, something for which I will be forever grateful. So I am truly pleased to return the favour by promoting the 2021 campaign and encouraging athletes from every sport to apply. I hope the successful applicants will benefit as much as I have from the Scholarship, and that I can help inspire them to be the best they can be,” said Chan, who starts her fourth season on the LPGA Tour later this month.

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About EFG International

EFG International is a global private banking group offering private banking and asset management services and is headquartered in Zurich. EFG International’s group of private banking businesses operates in around 40 locations worldwide. Its registered shares (EFGN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

About EFG Young Athletes Foundation

The Hong Kong branch of EFG Bank AG first ventured into golf in March 2009 when it partnered the Hong Kong Golf Association’s Junior Development Programme. A charitable foundation – EFG Young Golfers Foundation – was created in 2009 to promote and support the personal and physical education and development of young people across Hong Kong. The likes of Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, Stephanie Ho Ngan-si, Steven Lam Tsz-fung and Leon D’Souza were all beneficiaries. The foundation changed its name to “EFG Young Athletes Foundation” in 2014 to expand its support to young local athletes across all disciplines. The beneficiaries now include golfer Chloe Chan, showjumper Vincent Capol, tennis players Eudice Chong and Cody Wong.

About the Application Process:

Application is open to eligible amateur athletes in Hong Kong aged 13-30. Submissions (typically more than 80) are winnowed to a shortlist of 10 individuals who advance to an interview stage with the selection panel, who proffer recommendations for final recipients for adjudication by the EFG Young Athletes Foundation committee. Eligible athletes may apply at: https://forms.gle/23tVFYLZMjT2nr2z8. Applications must be received before 2359 on 30 April 2021. Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview in May with Scholarship recipients named in June 2021.