Underlining its dedication to promoting sports development in Hong Kong and nurturing local talent, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has recently recruited a new batch of local riders to its Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS) for 2013/14. By providing sponsorship and professional training for the JETS, the Club aims to groom stars of the future and raise the standard of the sport in Hong Kong.
The initiative complements numerous other Club-funded projects for talented young athletes in recent years, including a three-year youth football development programme across 18 districts in the city; an elite training camp with Manchester United; construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre; and the renovation of various sports facilities at South China Athletic Association’s headquarters.
The new JETS was officially announced today (1 March) at the inaugural Hong Kong Masters international jumping competition – the highest standard equestrian contest held in Hong Kong since the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and the first at top CSI5* level.
Eight young riders from 13 to 17 years old have been selected as members of the 2013/14 JETS through a panel, including representatives of the Club’s Equestrian Affairs Department and Hong Kong Equestrian Federation. They include four previous members who have been reselected for this year's squad.
The new JETS members will receive professional and systematic equestrian training from the Club during the next twelve months. The three best performers will also be given the chance to join an intensive training programme in Europe this summer and participate in competitions there. This will give them an excellent opportunity to gain overseas riding experience and develop their skills and confidence.
In addition, JETS members will be able to improve their skills under the guidance of top riders and world-class trainers through a series of equestrian clinics designed by the Club. Taking the opportunity of this week's Hong Kong Masters, the Club is collaborating with the Masters organiser to run six special clinics for the JETS to enhance their riding techniques and widen their horizons. Top world riders such as France’s Kevin Staut are hosting the clinics, along with member of the senior HKJC Equestrian Team Kenneth Cheng.
“I am very happy to have the chance of training with some of the local young riders from JETS in the clinic today. Although they are not experienced, they are eager to learn and talented,” said Staut, a former world No 1 rider and currently ranked seventh. “Interacting with the international riders in the clinic and watching them in the competition ring really stimulate these juniors, and help them strive for improvement. I hope all of them will cherish this platform provided by JETS and the organiser.”
The Club established its Equestrian Team and Junior Equestrian Team at the end of 2008. During the past four years, around 20 local young riders have been groomed under the junior team. A number of international awards have also been achieved by Club-sponsored juniors, including a silver medal by Jasmine Lai at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics and an individual gold medal by her sister Jacqueline in China's 2009 National Showjumping Championship, which made her Hong Kong’s first national champion rider.
Appendix: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Junior Equestrian Training Squad 2013/14 - Biographies
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Deputy Chairman and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Dr Simon Ip (7th left) joins, Club Steward and Vice President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael Lee (5th right), members of the 2013/14 JETS, JETS team Chief da£į?equipe and Head Riding Instructor of HKJC Tune Mun Public Riding School Bee Chan (2nd right), and member of the HKJC Equestrian Team Kenneth Cheng (2nd left) for a photo after the ceremony.
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Kenneth Cheng coaches members of the 2013/14 JETS at a clinic today.
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Members of the 2013/14 JETS pose for a group photo.
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French rider Kevin Staut (right), currently ranked seventh in the world, trains a JETS member.
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