HKJC promotes "can do spirit" and positive energy in West Kowloon

21 November 2009

To commemorate its 125th Anniversary and share this significant landmark with people of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has launched a community engagement programme called the Hong Kong Can Do Campaign in different districts.  The latest two-day programme is being staged at Olympian City 2 in West Kowloontoday and tomorrow (21 and 22 November).

Highlights of the event are demonstrations of the ten Hong Kong Can Do Exercise routines led by a group of kindergarten pupils, and a "Happy Talk" session by popular TV host Suzi Wong, aimed at imparting a sense of positive energy in the Hong Kong community.  A 125th Anniversary Exhibition is also being staged at the venue, showing historic photos and video clips of Hong Kong and the Club.

Officiating guests at the opening ceremony today (21 November) included the Club's Executive Director of Corporate Development Kim Mak, Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council Chung Kong-mo and Acting District Officer of Yau Tsim Mong District Alison Lo.

Rooted in Hong Kongfor over a century, the Club has played an important role in the city's growth and development, through both good times and bad.  "The Club has gone through many ups and downs with Hong Kong people, and always striven to stand by Hong Kong people by providing timely support for pressing social issues," Mak commented, citing such examples as the Jockey Club Clinics, the Jockey Club Scholarship, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Ocean Park. The Club also improved local leisure facilities by donating funds for the renovation of Kowloon Park in 1989.

"Today, our scope of concern has grown wider and we now adopt a longer-term vision for the Club's contribution to society, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the quality of life of Hong Kong people," Mak commented.  "Through the staging of the Hong Kong Can Do Campaign, we hope to encourage local residents to exercise regularly so as to ensure they have healthy bodies and a positive outlook on life."

During the two days of the exhibition, the ten Hong Kong Can Do Exercise routines will be demonstrated by a group of children from Po Leung Kuk Mrs Fong Wong Kam Chuen Kindergarten, together with members of the Friends of Yaumatei and Tsimshatsui Society, the Friends of Tai Kok Tsui, the Hong Kong Wing Chun Union and the Club's CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team.  Also not to be missed is the appearance of TV host Suzi Wong, who will share stories of positive and happy moments in her life to highlight the importance of positive living.

The Club is promoting citywide the ten Hong Kong Can Do Exercise routines designed by Honorary Life Chairman of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Union, Ip Chun.  Each of the ten routines encapsulates a message of positive living, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle among the public.  To spread this healthy message across the city, Club staff and its CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team are promoting the exercise in different districts to schools and community service groups.  The Club is also arranging demonstrations at major shopping malls to attract wider public participation.

In addition, it will co-operate with local community groups in the 18 Districts of Hong Kong to organise Can Do Exercise classes.  Some have already been launched in Yau Tsim Mong District.  In total since September, about 50 classes have been organised around the city, with over 1,800 people taking part.

The HKJC 125th Anniversary Exhibition charts the history of Hong Kong and the Club through three creative feature zones, 'Walking along the Skyline', 'Racing Ahead for You Databank' and 'The 120-degree Curved Screen Theatre'.  It showcases the Club's 125 years of history and major contributions to the community.

At the exhibition, visitors can see a valuable collection of old sweepstakes tickets.  They can also learn more about the Club and horses through an interactive brochure and a "Tell Me More" horse model.  Those who correctly answer a quiz about the Club's history will receive gifts such as a specially-designed notebook featuring the Can Do routines.  

Similar exhibitions will be held in other districts over the coming weeks to allow more local residents to recall fond memories of Hong Kong and the Club's history, and further promote the message of positive living through the Can Do exercise.

125th Anniversary of TheHong KongJockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

Related Website: Racing Ahead For You