The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (22 Feb) that it had named a new batch of local riders to join its Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS) for 2014/15. Underlining the Club's dedication to nurturing the city's young sporting talent, this follows a number of previous Club initiatives to support the development of young athletes in recent years.
At the same time, the number of JETS members has been increased from eight to ten. By engaging more outstanding young riders and providing them with professional training, the Club aims to groom stars of the future and raise the standard of the sport in Hong Kong. The JETS members will receive professional and systematic equestrian training from the Club or overseas riding instructors during the next 12 months. Top performers will also be given the opportunity to train and compete overseas to gain valuable international experience to finest their performance.
Taking the opportunity of this week's Hong Kong Masters (21-23 Feb), the Club is collaborating with the Masters organiser to run six special clinics for the JETS to enhance their riding techniques. Top international riders such as World No.3 and Olympic gold medallist Ludger Beerbaum are hosting the clinics, along with member of the senior HKJC Equestrian Team Kenneth Cheng.
JETS is part of the Club’s collective sponsorship in support of local equestrian sport. The Club also supports the HKJC Equestrian Team that is composed of five reigning Hong Kong representative squad riders. The sponsorship not only allows riders to train and compete overseas to qualify for major events, but also enables international coaching expertise to be enlisted to optimise the individual training programmes.
These commitments have already paid off handsomely. During the past five years, Club-sponsored riders have achieved a number of historic results for Hong Kong including individual gold and bronze medals and a team bronze at the Jinan 2009 National Games; a silver medal at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics; a team bronze at the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games; and an individual silver medal at the Shenyang 2013 National Games.
Besides supporting equestrian sport, the Club is currently funding a number of youth development programmes in other sports, including a three-year youth football programme spanning all 18 Districts of Hong Kong, and an Elite Youth Football Training Camp, School Football Development Scheme and Youth Football Fitness Assessment in collaboration with Manchester United. Club donations are also making possible the construction of the Jockey Club Kitchee Centre for youth football training and the renovation of various sports facilities at South China Athletic Association’s headquarters.
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.
Appendixi?? The Hong Kong Jockey Club Junior Equestrian Training Squad 2014/15 Biographies
|
Club Deputy Chairman and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Dr Simon S O Ip (right 6) joins Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (right 5) and members of the 2014/15 JETS for a photo after the ceremony.
|
Photo 2, 3, 4
German rider and Olympic gold medal winner Ludger Beerbaum (photo 2) and member of the senior HKJC Equestrian Team Kenneth Cheng (photo 3) coach members of the JETS at special clinics arranged by the Club.
|
|
|
|
|
Members of the 2014/15 JETS pose for a group photo.
|
