A millennium-old Chinese tradition combined with the modern-day creativity of the young generation – these contrasting elements will be brought together in spectacular style as The Hong Kong Jockey Club heralds the New Year of the Rabbit by participating in the annual International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Thursday 3 February.
The Club has long been an ardent supporter of this mega-event and is participating in the parade for the sixteenth consecutive year to help showcase Hong Kong’s tourism appeal to the world. This year's Club float and accompanying troupe will reflect the city's unique crossover of tradition and modernity, with acclaimed shadow puppet master Li Jianxin from the Mainland performing this ancient art alongside creative dance interpretation by young people from Sky High, a Club-funded youth project in Tin Shui Wai, making their second appearance at the parade.
Li, a National Grade 1 Artist, has won many accolades in performing arts circles both at home and overseas for the modern twist he has added to this traditional art form. On this occasion, he will be making use of new horse puppets designed by young artists from Sky High.
Titled “Fortune in the Lead”, the Club’s float will feature two giant racehorses drawing lucky gold coins, depicting how the Club adds value to the community through its not-for-profit business model by channelling gaming demand into huge tax revenues of more than HK$14 billion a year and charitable donations exceeding HK$1.5 billion. The two horses at its centrepiece are at full gallop, symbolising the Club's competitive spirit and dedication to providing world-class sporting entertainment.
Also performing alongside the Club's float this year will be a group of teenagers from Tin Shui Wai, Tung Chung and Sham Shui Po, all of whom have been participating in the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team community programmes. Having recently been given the opportunity to attend a puppetry workshop hosted by master Li, they will demonstrate these newly-learned skills at the parade, with the help of CARE members dressed in traditional Chinese costumes adorned by a lovable horse “buddy”.
By involving community groups like Sky High and the teenagers who are supported by the Club's charitable donations or volunteering services, the Club aims to inspire these young people to pursue their dreams, through an eye-opening chance to participate in this international festive celebration and show their creativity to a worldwide audience. It also fulfils the Club's objective of encouraging its community beneficiaries to contribute to society themselves.
Another highlight of the Club's float will be appearances by champion apprentice jockey Keith Yeung and equestrian bronze medallist at the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games, Samantha Lam, dressed in their respective riding outfits. They will be on board the float to bid the audience a year of fortune and happiness.
The float and its performers not only reflect Hong Kong’s cultural roots and the Club's long history, but also illustrate how the Club is racing forward to help build a better Hong Kong for future generations.
Following this night of colourful celebrations at the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, the Club will organise its ever-popular Chinese New Year Race Meeting on the third day of the new year, Saturday 5 February, at Sha Tin Racecourse. On top of the horse racing entertainment, a Triple Trio Jackpot likely to reach HK$50 million and a further HK$700,000 on offer in scratch-and-win card prizes, the event will feature a host of colourful and traditional on-course festivities. These include a spectacular opening ceremony, performances by popular local entertainers and a “Fortune Market” showcasing exquisite gold exhibits.
The wheel of fortune will also continue to spin the following day, Sunday 6 February, when a Mark Six CNY Snowball draw will be held, promising a single lucky first prize winner as much as HK$50 million.
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club 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.
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Photo 1:
The Club's "Fortune in the Lead" float features two giant racehorses drawing lucky gold coins, depicting how the Club adds value to the community through its not-for-profit business model. The two horses at its centrepiece are at full gallop, symbolising the Club's competitive spirit and dedication to providing world-class sporting entertainment.
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Photo 2:
Dressed in traditional Chinese costumes adorned by a lovable horse "buddy", members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team will demonstrate the fruit of their hard work in learning puppetry skills.
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