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Hong Kong's pivotal role in promoting Riding for the Disabled in the Asia Pacific recognised

29 October 2009

With support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club, about 100 participants from some 13 countries and regions are in Hong Kong this week to attend the Riding for the Disabled Association's 3rd Asia Pacific Conference which opened today (29 October).  The strong response is a testimony to the growing international recognition of horse riding as a therapeutic and confidence-building exercise for disabled people. 

The Club's Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson said at this evening's Welcome Dinner that the Club had long been an ardent supporter of disabled riding, having been a close partner of the Riding for the Disabled Hong Kong since its establishment in 1975.

"Since the last conference three years ago, a great deal of important progress has been made in disabled riding," Mr Stevenson noted.  "Most significantly, Hong Kong has played host to the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, winning a great number of accolades from athletes and equestrian professionals worldwide.  That event has had an immeasurable impact on the world's awareness and perception of disabled riding."

The Club committed more than HK$1.2 billion to providing world-class venues and facilities for the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events held in Hong Kong last year.  Earlier today, at the Conference opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club had been proud to be able to serve the community by making it possible for Hong Kong to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"In doing this, we were determined to ensure that the events left a lasting legacy for Hong Kong and its people, and I believe we have succeeded in that," Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.  "It is very rewarding to know that our venues and facilities allowed so many riders from around the world, both able-bodied and disabled, to fulfil their sporting dreams."

The 3rd RDA Asia Pacific Conference, the theme of which is "Preparation of the Paralympic Rider" is the second such event to be held in Hong Kong.  A number of Paralympic medal winners and trainers will be sharing their insights into the importance and value of disabled riding.

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, the Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 Season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organizations, 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.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman John C C Chan (centre), Hong Kong Jockey Club Steward Michael T H Lee (2nd from left), Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (1st from right), Riding for the Disabled Association Chairman K K Yeung (1st from left) and New Zealand Consul General Adele Bryant attend the Riding For The Disabled Association's 3rd Asia Pacific Conference Opening Ceremony.
Photo 1:
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman John C C Chan (centre), Hong Kong Jockey Club Steward Michael T H Lee (2nd from left), Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (1st from right), Riding for the Disabled Association Chairman K K Yeung (1st from left) and New Zealand Consul General Adele Bryant attend the Riding For The Disabled Association's 3rd Asia Pacific Conference Opening Ceremony.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman John C C Chan (left) presents a plaque to Deputy Chairman of Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Allan Yu at the Opening Ceremony.
Photo 2:
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman John C C Chan (left) presents a plaque to Deputy Chairman of Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Allan Yu at the Opening Ceremony.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (left) receives a plaque from Riding for the Disabled Association Chairman K K Yeung at the Opening Ceremony.
Photo 3:
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (left) receives a plaque from Riding for the Disabled Association Chairman K K Yeung at the Opening Ceremony.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the Club has been proud to provide world-class venues and facilities for able-bodied and disabled riders to fulfil their sporting dreams.
Photo 4:
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the Club has been proud to provide world-class venues and facilities for able-bodied and disabled riders to fulfil their sporting dreams.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the Club has long been an ardent supporter of disabled riding at the Welcome Dinner.
Photo 5:
Hong Kong Jockey Club Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the Club has long been an ardent supporter of disabled riding at the Welcome Dinner.

 

 

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