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Hong Kong Equestrian Team's National Games success endorses Club's vision in promoting equestrian sport

29 October 2009

The Hong Kong Equestrian Team, comprising Hong Kong Jockey Club Equestrian Team members Patrick Lam, Kenneth Cheng and Samantha Lam, and its Junior Team member Jacqueline Lai, received a rousing welcome home at a reception at Happy Valley Racecourse today (29 October).

Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club John C C Chan said the team's remarkable success in claiming one gold and two bronze medals at the 11th National Games were a strong testimony to the Club's vision of setting up a sponsorship programme to help the HKJC Equestrian Team and its junior counterpart with their training and preparations for major events.  He encouraged the teams to continue striving for good results in the 2010 Asian Games and other upcoming international competitions.

"When Hong Kong was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-host the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics, we were determined that the events should create a lasting legacy for our city and its people." Mr Chan said. "That was why we created the world-class equestrian venues and facilities with an aim to cementing Hong Kong's standing as the Equine Capital. We also experienced the thrill of seeing Hong Kong field its first ever equestrian team in an Olympiad."

Since then, Mr Chan noted, the Club had taken a further initiative to ensure the city's continued development of equestrian by setting up the Hong Kong Jockey Club Equestrian Team.  The Club's sponsorship covers funding for the team's overseas training and other expenses, with the aim of aiding their quest to qualify for the National Games, the 2010 Asian Games, the 2010 World Equestrian Championships and maybe even the London 2012 Olympics.  It also supports the establishment of the Junior Equestrian Team, which aimed at identifying talented young riders aged between 12 and 18 and providing them with professional training.

 "I think we all had high hopes that the team would be able to gain a good result, but to come home with a gold and two bronze medals really exceeds our expectations." Mr Chan said. "It is a fantastic achievement for Hong Kong and for equestrian sport in our city.  Patrick is especially to be congratulated on his two flawless rounds in the individual jumping final, which earned him the gold medal."

"These excellent results of one gold and two bronze medals really exceed our expectations," Mr Chan said.  "This is not only a milestone for equestrian sport in Hong Kong but also a proud achievement for all Hong Kong people.  Patrick Lam's victory in the individual jumping event is especially outstanding.  His two flawless rounds strongly underline the capabilities of our equestrian riders."

Responding on behalf of the victorious team, gold medallist Lam thanked the Club for its continued support, saying that it had allowed them to concentrate on their preparations for the Games without having to worry about financial issues.

"Today we are here to celebrate historic achievements by the Hong Kong Equestrian Team," said  Simon S O Ip, the Club's Steward and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, " I would like to say my thanks to our brilliant equestrian team. Credit must also be given to the enthusiastic assistance and co-operation from several government departments and organisations, such as Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Organising Committee of the HKSAR Delegation for the 11th National Games, without which the equestrian team could not have written a new chapter in the history of the sport. I really appreciate all efforts and input from different parties, which are the cornerstone for outstanding results."

Officiating guests at today's event included Club Chairman John C C Chan, Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson, Stewards Anthony W K Chow, Michael T H Lee and Philip N L Chen and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.  They all wished the HKJC Equestrian Team continued success in winning honours for Hong Kong and bidding to qualify for the 2010 Asian Games.

In the welcome reception, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman John C C Chan says the team's remarkable success at the 11th National Games is a strong testimony to the Club's vision of setting up a sponsorship programme to help the HKJC Equestrian Teams
Photo 1:
In the welcome reception, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman John C C Chan says the team's remarkable success at the 11th National Games is a strong testimony to the Club's vision of setting up a sponsorship programme to help the HKJC Equestrian Teams

The Hong Kong Equestrian Team members present a souvenir to Club Chairman John C C Chan, thanking the Club for its continued support towards them so that the team can concentrate on preparations for the Games.
Photo 2:
The Hong Kong Equestrian Team members present a souvenir to Club Chairman John C C Chan, thanking the Club for its continued support towards them so that the team can concentrate on preparations for the Games.

(From right to left) Steward Philip N L Chen, Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson, Equestrian Team member Samantha Lam, Kenneth Cheng, Club Chairman John C C Chan, Steward Anthony W K Chow, Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui, Equestrian Team member Patrick Lam, Junior Equestrian Team member Jacqueline Lai, Steward Michael T H Lee and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, toast for the excellent results achieved by the Team at the 11th National Games.
Photo 3:
(From right to left) Steward Philip N L Chen, Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson, Equestrian Team member Samantha Lam, Kenneth Cheng, Club Chairman John C C Chan, Steward Anthony W K Chow, Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui, Equestrian Team member Patrick Lam, Junior Equestrian Team member Jacqueline Lai, Steward Michael T H Lee and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, toast for the excellent results achieved by the Team at the 11th National Games.

Photo 4 to 7:  In the welcome reception, the Hong Kong Equestrian Team shares their thoughts and feelings on the achievement with the guests, including Club Chairman John C C Chan (Photo 4 - second from right), Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (Photo 4 - right), Steward Anthony W K Chow (Photo 5 - right), Philip N L Chen (Photo 5 - second from right), Michael T H Lee (Photo 6 left), and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (Photo 7 - second from right)
Photo 4:
Photo 4 to 7:
In the welcome reception, the Hong Kong Equestrian Team shares their thoughts and feelings on the achievement with the guests, including Club Chairman John C C Chan (Photo 4 - second from right), Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (Photo 4 - right), Steward Anthony W K Chow (Photo 5 - right), Philip N L Chen (Photo 5 - second from right), Michael T H Lee (Photo 6 left), and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (Photo 7 - second from right)

Photo 4 to 7:  In the welcome reception, the Hong Kong Equestrian Team shares their thoughts and feelings on the achievement with the guests, including Club Chairman John C C Chan (Photo 4 - second from right), Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (Photo 4 - right), Steward Anthony W K Chow (Photo 5 - right), Philip N L Chen (Photo 5 - second from right), Michael T H Lee (Photo 6 left), and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (Photo 7 - second from right)
Photo 5

Photo 4 to 7:  In the welcome reception, the Hong Kong Equestrian Team shares their thoughts and feelings on the achievement with the guests, including Club Chairman John C C Chan (Photo 4 - second from right), Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson (Photo 4 - right), Steward Anthony W K Chow (Photo 5 - right), Philip N L Chen (Photo 5 - second from right), Michael T H Lee (Photo 6 left), and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (Photo 7 - second from right)
Photo 6


Photo 7

The Hong Kong Equestrian Team shares their joy with Club Steward and Vice President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael T H Lee (fourth from right) and the members of the Executive Committee.
Photo 8:
The Hong Kong Equestrian Team shares their joy with Club Steward and Vice President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael T H Lee (fourth from right) and the members of the Executive Committee.

(From right to left) Club Equestrian Team members Kenneth Cheng, Samantha Lam and Patrick Lam, and Junior Team member Jacqueline Lai, come home with excellent results in claiming one gold and two bronze medals at the 11th National Games.
Photo 9:
(From right to left) Club Equestrian Team members Kenneth Cheng, Samantha Lam and Patrick Lam, and Junior Team member Jacqueline Lai, come home with excellent results in claiming one gold and two bronze medals at the 11th National Games.

 

 

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