Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme recognises outstanding performances at World University Games

13/09/2023 17:08

Seventeen elite Hong Kong athletes have been rewarded a total of HK$3.75 million for their outstanding performances in the Chengdu FISU World University Games under the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS), for which a cheque presentation ceremony was held today (13 September). The Hong Kong, China team achieved its best-ever result at the 31st edition of the Games, held in Chengdu this summer, with a total haul of 12 medals - four gold, one silver and seven bronze.

Anthony Ingham, the Club’s Executive Director, Membership, Brand, Marketing and Experience joined Joe Wong, HKSAR Government Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Tang King-shing, Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI); and Mabel Mak, Chairperson of The University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China in congratulating the awardees on their achievements.

“We firmly believe in the potential that lies within each individual. But we recognise that talent alone is not enough. It needs nourishment, support and opportunities to flourish. That is why we wholeheartedly support the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, to help nurture and empower our athletes,” the Club’s Executive Director, Membership, Brand, Marketing and Experience Anthony Ingham said at the ceremony. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes here today. The Jockey Club is privileged to be a part of your journey.”

The JCAIAS, sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, aims to support the all-round development of local athletes by providing cash incentives for winning gold, silver or bronze medals in seven major sporting events – the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, National Games, National Para Games and FISU World University Games. Cash rewards will also be awarded to athletes finishing in fourth to eighth places in the Olympics and Paralympics in recognition of their achievements.

Over the years, the Club has promoted sports at both the community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports.

Funded jointly by the Club and the Government, the HKSI (then called the Jubilee Sports Centre) opened in 1982. In 1992, the Club’s Charities Trust provided an endowment of HK$200 million to establish a trust fund, now called the Hong Kong Jockey Club Elite Athletes Fund. In 2021, to boost research and development in elite sports for a period of three years, the Club pledged HK$150 million in funding to match the HKSAR Government’s HK$150 million grant.

JCAIAS Awarded Athletes under the Chengdu FISU World University Games

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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2022/23, the Club returned a total of HK$35.9 billion to the community. This included HK$28.6 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$7.3 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.