Jockey Club supports students’ development in Strive and Rise Programme

29/10/2022 14:50

The Hong Kong Jockey Club fully supports the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, which held its kick-off ceremony today (29 October) at the Central Government Offices. A total of 2,800 secondary one to three students from low-income families will participate in the Programme which aims to foster their development. Each student will be paired with a mentor.

The Club is a vice-chairperson of the Partners’ Board of the Programme. Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who was at the ceremony, said: “The Club believes nurturing young people is key to Hong Kong’s long-term development. Our well-established support and focus on children and youth development reflect the Club’s commitment to the betterment of society. We support measures to bridge the development divide so youngsters from different backgrounds can unleash their potential and be better prepared, connected and engaged with the community.”

Apart from financial support for the Strive and Rise Programme, the Club has nominated 26 of its employees as mentors from a wide spectrum of its operations, including its Public Riding Schools, Apprentice Jockeys School, racing laboratory, sports and leisure services, catering, retail services, as well as marketing and information technology units. Former Jockey Club Scholarship recipients (Jockey Club Scholars) will also take part. Together they will share their diverse expertise and experiences with the students.

Mentees will be able to visit Club facilities, such as Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Art, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course and the Public Riding Schools and attend sharing sessions with the Club’s management team to learn more about the development of the Club. These activities will help students broaden their horizons and explore different fields.

The Club is committed to building stronger communities together. This is made possible by its unique integrated business model, through which racing and wagering generate tax and charity support for our community.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2021/22, the Club returned a total of HK$33.6 billion to the community. This included HK$27.0 billion to the Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$6.6 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world’s top ten charity donors. The Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.