HKJC promotes "can-do" spirit by inspiring positive living in NT West

27 February 2010

Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the city's residents, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has launched a community engagement programme entitled the "Hong Kong Can Do Campaign" in different districts as an integral part of its 125th Anniversary Programmes.  A two-dayprogramme is being staged at Maritime Squarein New Territories West today and tomorrow (27 and 28 February) to help spread a sense of positive energy in the community.

Officiating guests at today's opening ceremony included the Club's Executive Director of Corporate Development Kim Mak, Chairman of Kwai Tsing District Council Tang Kwok-kong and Assistant District Officer of Kwai Tsing District Fabia Tam.

A focal point of the event was a demonstration of the ten Hong Kong Can Do Exercise routines by a group from TWGHs Jockey Club Ngai Ching Ngai Pok Hostel - the first rehabilitation centre to participate in the campaign - and TWGHs Lok Kwan District Support Centre.

The Can Do Exercise was designed by Honorary Life Chairman of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Union, Ip Chun, and each of its ten routines encapsulates a message of positive living, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle among the public.  To spread the message citywide, the Club and its CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team are promoting the exercise in different districts to schools and community service groups, as well as in major shopping malls.

Another highlight of today's event was a "Happy Talk" session by well-known TV host Suzi Wong, who shared stories of positive and happy moments in her life to help the public appreciate how they can face life's challenges and overcome adversity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mak observed that the Club had proactively promoted community development for over a century.  To fuel growth in New Territories West, it established the HKJC Tin Shui Wai Telebet cum Volunteers and Training Centre last year.  The Club also financed the construction of Hong Kong's first International BMX Park in Kwai Chung as part of its support for the 2009 East Asian Games.

Mak said the Tin Shui Wai project had not only brought new jobs and economic vitality to the area, but also new hope to local families.  "In addition, our CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team has put in place various voluntary initiatives, activities and training programmes tailored to the needs of the area, so as to foster a co-operative community spirit and encourage residents to become more self-supporting and sustainable," he noted.

The two-day event at Maritime Square continues tomorrow with another demonstration of the Hong Kong Can Do Exercise routines, this time led by children from Po Leung Kuk Mrs Fong Wong Kam Chuen Kindergarten.  They will again be joined by members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, who are committed to upholding the Club's philanthropic spirit by lending their support to the campaign.

Also not to be missed is an HKJC 125th Anniversary Exhibition that charts the history of Hong Kong and the Club through three creative feature zones, !¥Walking along the Skyline' and !¥Racing Ahead for You Databank'.  Historical photos and video clips showcase the Club's development and its major contributions to the community, including key Club-funded projects such as the Jockey Club Clinics, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Ocean Park.

Visitors to the exhibition can lay their hands on an equine skeleton and specimens of some important horse bones to appreciate how these heavy animals can run so fast, as well as 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 roving exhibitions will be held in other districts over the coming months 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.

In addition, the Club will co-operate with local community groups in the 18 Districts of Hong Kong to organise Can Do Exercise classes.  With support from Kwai Tsing District Council and community organisations, the Club has already organised a series of classes for residents of Kwai Tsing District, and more are in the pipeline.

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey 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.