Jockey Club continues support for international a cappella festival to foster young peoplea£á?s creativity

04/01/2012

The Hong Kong 2012 International a cappella Festival got off to a rousing start on 31 March with an opening concert at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium attended by close to 3,000 secondary school students and audience. The one-month event, sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), will involve international and local groups in a programme designed to foster young people’s creativity.

Club Steward Anthony Chow joined Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow, Deputy Director of Broadcasting Tai Keen Man, the Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So and HKFYG Executive Director Dr Rosanna Wong at the Opening Concert.

Close to 20,000 young people will take part in the one-month event, which features celebrated local and overseas performers including Rockapella, Beelzebubs, Delilah, Yellow Jackets and Friends, Kay Tse and the HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers.

In addition, a Jockey Club a cappella Education Programme is being launched this year to nurture young talents and enhance their understanding of the music. The programme includes a cappella demonstrations, workshops, training courses and contests that will involve over 13,000 tertiary and secondary school students along with teachers from 70 schools. At the same time, an online a cappella Library has been set up to provide a cappella scores and learning materials for the public. For more information about The Hong Kong 2012 International a cappella Festival and Jockey Club a cappella Education Programme, please visit: http://acappella.hkfyg.org.hk

The Club has been supporting the HKFYG for almost half a century with donations exceeding HK$400 million, including the building and redevelopment of the Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp; modernisation of more than ten Youth S.P.O.Ts; establishment of the Leading through Engineering, Art and Design (LEAD) Project; and the launch of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant - Youth Volunteer Network (VNET).

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.6 billion in 2011. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$15 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.