On August 29, the China Sports Foundation and the Macau Fok Ying Tung Foundation signed a cooperation agreement at the General Administration of Sport of China to jointly launch the “China Sports Foundation – Fok Ying Tung Sports Strengthening Initiative: National Grassroots Coaches Development Program (2025–2028).” With a total investment of 40 million RMB, the program aims to cultivate 1,000 grassroots coaches over the next four years through systematic training, international exchange, and the integration of industry-academia-research resources. The initiative is designed to consolidate the foundation of elite sports talent development and contribute to building China into a sporting powerhouse.

The signing ceremony was attended by Gao Zhidan, Minister of the General Administration of Sport, Vice Minister Zhang Jiasheng, relevant officials of the Administration, representatives from both foundations, as well as leaders from Beijing Sport University and the Sports Fund Management Center.

Wang Weidong, Chairman of the China Sports Foundation, noted in his speech that the implementation of the “Sports Strengthening Initiative” is an important measure to guide social forces in actively participating in sports philanthropy and to contribute to the national strategy of building China into a strong sporting nation. The program will have a profound and positive impact on the grassroots coaching training system and the cultivation of reserve talent in competitive sports.

Timothy Fok, Chairman of the Fok Ying Tung Foundation, stated that since its establishment, under the guidance of China’s national sports development strategy, the foundation has been committed to supporting sports development, building modern sports facilities, and nurturing sports talent. He expressed hope that the “Sports Strengthening Initiative” would become a cradle for future champions.

The program introduces an innovative, progressive training system, integrating six curriculum modules led by Beijing Sport University, a faculty pool of 200 experts, provincial training centers, and a digital learning platform, while compiling teaching materials such as the Grassroots Coaches Competency Standards Handbook. The Macau Fok Ying Tung Foundation will provide dedicated funding for training implementation and related events, promoting the transformation of grassroots coach development from “experience-driven” to “science-driven.”

Founded in Macau in 2002 by Mr. Henry Fok, the Macau Fok Ying Tung Foundation has expanded its mission from education to also include healthcare, sports, and cultural initiatives. To date, it has donated nearly HKD 1.7 billion, including 370 sports-related projects with a total contribution of approximately HKD 300 million. The launch of the “Sports Strengthening Initiative” continues Mr. Fok’s philanthropic spirit of “taking from society, giving back to society,” injecting new vitality into sports philanthropy through a collaborative model that unites government, business, and society.