Club hosts 18 Districts Cup to celebrate a new chapter in its partnership with Hong Konga£á?s 18 districts

06/12/2016

The Hong Kong Jockey Club hosted the 18 Districts Cup today (12 June) to express its appreciation for the work of District Councils and to celebrate their contribution to community development.  Over 200 community leaders, including Director of Home Affairs Janice Tse, Member of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council the Hon Ip Kwok-him, District Councilors and District Officers gathered at Sha Tin Racecourse to exchange views on district development.
In his welcome remarks Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow said that the Club is fully committed to connecting with and serving the community. Club sponsored projects such as the “Elderly Visit Programme in Rural Villages” and “Waste Reduction at Source School Programme” are well-received initiatives serving different needy groups in the community. “All of these success stories encourage us to continue working with our community partners to develop even more special and creative projects”. Mr Chow added, “The theme of this year’s 18 Districts Cup - ‘Celebrating a New Chapter of District Partnership’ - reflects this renewed commitment. With the Districts Councils commencing their new term this year, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with District Councilors, both old and new, and likewise with District Officers, as we work together to build a better Hong Kong.”

At today’s ceremony, Director of Home Affairs Janice Tse expressed her thanks to the Club for its sponsorship and support for community activities organised by the District Councils and Home Affairs Department. These community activities, she explained, are wide-ranging, including community engagement, traditional culture, and recreation and leisure. “Helping to develop and build harmony within the community, the Club is a close partner and shares the same objectives as the District Councils and the Home Affairs Department.”

Officiating at this year’s 18 Districts Cup were Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow, Director of Home Affairs Janice Tse, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Member of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council (District Council – First) the Hon Ip Kwok-him, Duty Chairman of the 18 District Councils and Chairman of Wan Chai District Council Stephen Ng Kam-chun, and Duty Chairman of the 18 District Councils and Chairman of Tuen Mun District Council Leung Kin-man.

The 18 Districts Cup, which was initiated in 2008, was staged for the ninth time this year. 
Chris So-trained Super Man ridden by Neil Callan won the 18 Districts Cup today.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2014/15, its donations reached a record $3.87 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,300 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$20.05 billion in 2014/15. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,000 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.