Jockey Club awarded “Outstanding Contributor to the Hangzhou Asian Games” title and explores further co-operation with the Hangzhou Municipal Government

08/01/2024 19:09

The Hong Kong Jockey Club ("the Club") was today (8 January) awarded the title "Outstanding Contributor to the Hangzhou Asian Games" by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee ("HAGOC") in recognition of its contribution to the success of the equestrian events of the Hangzhou Asian Games. This was followed by the first Joint Conference on Hangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Sports Development Collaboration, where the Hangzhou Municipal Government and the Club discussed further co-operation with respect to equine sports, cultural promotion and youth exchange, as well as future plans for co-operation.

Deputy Mayor of the Hangzhou Municipal Government Chen Wei-qiang and HAGOC Commander of Equestrian Events Wang Hong, together with the Club’s Executive Director, Racing, Andrew Harding and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam participated in the presentation ceremony at the Hangzhou Civic Centre.  On behalf of the Club, Andrew Harding and Raymond Tam received the “Oustanding Contributor” plaque from Mr Chen and Mr Wang.

The equestrian events of the Hangzhou Asian Games were held at the Hangzhou Tonglu Equestrian Center from September to October 2023. Drawing on its substantial experience in organising international equestrian events, the Club provided technical support in six major areas: biosecurity, horse transportation, stable management, veterinary and farriery services, venue operations and international stakeholder engagement.  

Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal Government Chen Weiqiang praised the Club for its outstanding contribution to the Hangzhou Asian Games. He said that with the assistance of the Club, Hangzhou had staged wonderful and safe equestrian events, showcasing China’s equestrian sport to the world. After the Asian Games, Hangzhou is accelerating the pace of its development with the aim of becoming an International City of Sports. The city looks forward to working hand in hand with the Club to promote equine sports and to contribute to the country's sports development.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club was honoured to have contributed to the success of the equestrian events of the Hangzhou Asian Games, and thanked the HAGOC for their recognition. He said that as a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society, the Club has always been committed to serving the needs of the country. The Asian Games, being one of the most important sporting events in Asia, has profound significance for the host city and the host country. With this in mind, the Club devoted considerable resources and effort, leveraging  its rich experience, professional knowledge and extensive international network to help build an international standard competition venue. Nonethless, the achievement would not have been possible without the joint effort of the supporting teams of the two cities, and the strong support and co-operation of the Hangzhou Municipal Government and the Hong Kong SAR Government. Going forward, the Club will work closely with the Hangzhou Municipal Government to further develop equine sports and the sports industry in the country.

After the ceremony, the Hangzhou Municipal Government and the Club held the first Joint Conference on Hangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Sports Development Collaboration to discuss co-operation in equine sports development, cultural promotion and youth exchange between Hong Kong and Hangzhou.

Both sides agreed to continue working together to support the country's equine sports development. The Club and Hangzhou also intend to co-organise visits to Hangzhou for Hong Kong’s young people. This will enable them to experience the rich culture of the Chinese nation as well as the rapid development in innovation and technology, so enhancing their sense of belonging and pride in the country. In the coming year, the two parties also plan to promote Tonglu's gastronomic culture at the Club's venues, which will serve to strengthen cultural exchange between the two cities.

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 one of the world’s top ten charity donors.