Jockey Club supports Hong Kong Sevens community programmes

06/11/2022 21:10

The world-renowned Hong Kong Sevens, organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Union, concluded this evening (6 November) at Hong Kong Stadium. Congratulations to the participating teams and most especially to the winners of the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield competitions.

With the Hong Kong Sevens having been suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s tournament was especially important, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club was pleased to lend its support as the Official Community Partner. Over 7,000 people benefited from programmes designed to promote the sport of rugby and to provide more opportunities for the community to enjoy the excitement of the Sevens.

These programmes are some of the many initiatives supported by the Club’s approved donation of HK$630 million to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

Trophy presenters at this year’s Hong Kong Sevens included the Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung, Club Steward Andrew Weir, Chairman of the Hong Kong Rugby Union Chris Brooke, President of the Hong Kong Rugby Union Peter Duncan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Dr Pang Yiu-kai and other guests.

Mr Weir said the Club was honoured to be the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens and to provide citizens and students with the opportunity to better understand and participate in rugby. The initiatives also serve to promote sportsmanship and broaden cultural exchange. Sport is important not only for health but for fostering positive attitudes and building social cohesion said Mr Weir. All this is in accordance with the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of our society.

The four community programmes supported by the Club included:

·         The Jockey Club Community Experience – Members of the community were invited by NGOs and charity groups to attend the tournament on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for free.

·         The Jockey Club Bill Williams Youth Sevens Tournament – 13 teams of boys and girls from different secondary schools and nationalities participated. All players were also invited to the Hong Kong Sevens after the tournament.  

·         The Jockey Club Friday Sevens School Tour – Students from various primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong were invited to attend the main tournament and were accompanied by 200 volunteers, who helped them better understand rugby.

·         The Jockey Club Mini Rugby Showcase – Young players from 21 local rugby clubs played against each other at the SCAA-Jockey Club Stadium and So Kon Po Recreation Ground to experience the fun of rugby.

Over the past 25 years, the Club has progressed with the community. As a world-leader in the sport of horse racing and one of the ten largest charitable donors in the world, the Club has increased its contributions to the community via its integrated business model. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is resolute in pursuing its purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of our society. Then, now, always, we are together with Hong Kong.

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.