The LCSD continued to run the Sports Subsidy Scheme, which provides financial assistance to sports associations for organising sports events, training programmes and competitions. In 2002, the department spent $40 million on 6 217 sports programmes which attracted over 590 000 participants. Among the most popular training programmes were the Youth Football Scheme, New Generation Table Tennis Training Courses, Youth Windsurfing Promotion Scheme and Youth Wushu Training Scheme.

    During the year, the National Sports Associations concerned were given subsidies under the scheme to organise the 2002 FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball) World Grand Prix Final and Hong Kong Ladies Challenge (Tennis). The hosting of these events helped to reinforce Hong Kong's status as a leading centre for sport in Asia.