Record-breaking number compete in HKJC Special Marathon

01/19/2014

A record-breaking of 2,500 athletes with disabilities and their partner pair-up runners compete in the “i-Run – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2014” (“i-Run”) today (19 January) to promote social inclusion. For the very first time, the Marathon has been switched from the Chinese University of Hong Kong to Tamar Park this year.

Funded by the Jockey Club’s Charities Trust with HK$1.54 million, the i-Run has been organised by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs). Among the crowd cheering on the runners are Club Steward Anthony Chow, Convenor of Non-official Members of the Executive Council Lam Woon-kwong, TWGHs Chairman Dr Ina Chan, Hong Kong Police Force Regional Commander of Hong Kong Island Kenneth Li, local outstanding athlete So Wah-wai, ambassadors Edmond Leung and C AllStar.

Mr Chow noted that the Club has supported TWGHs to provide quality services to the community for more than 70 years. "We are delighted to support the i-Run for three consecutive years," he noted. "What’s more encouraging is the scale of the event, which gets bigger every year and it has attracted 2,500 participants this year, indicating that Hong Kong people are indeed very energetic."

According to their ability, each disabled runner is paired with a volunteer runner to compete in either of the 3-km or 5-km Challenge races.   Pre-race training sessions were organised for the runners to get to know each other better, hoping to build a closer rapport. Joining the local runners are participants from the Mainland, Macau and Taiwan. 55 members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team are also involved as pair-up runners or on-site helpers.

46-year-old Tang Chi-wah who has mild intellectual disabilities seldom participates in sport. This is the first time he takes part in the 3-km marathon. His pair-up runner, Lester Lam is a member of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team. “This is the second time I have taken part in the i-Run and I appreciate the opportunity to learn how to communicate with people with intellectual disabilities. I think everybody, regardless of their abilities, can participate in sports. I’m really glad to have completed the race with my partner Chi-wah.” 

The Club also supports TWGHs in establishing the i-Runners’ Club which is open to those with intellectual disabilities and people interested in running with intellectual disabilities runners. Aiming to promote an inclusive society through sport participation, it will provide regular training supervised by qualified coaching experts in different parts of Hong Kong.

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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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.