The biennial Hong Kong Games involving athletes from all 18 Districts opened last night (27 April) at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, supported by a HK$5 million donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. This is the second time the Club has been the Principal Contributor to this sporting event, and this year it is also title sponsor of the athletics and futsal competitions.
Club Steward Anthony W K Chow was joined at the opening ceremony by HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying; Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing; President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong; China and Honorary President of the 4th Hong Kong Games Timothy Fok, Honorary President of the 4th Hong Kong Games, The Hon Ip Kwok-him; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung; Chairman of the Community Sports Committee and the 4th Hong Kong Games Organising Committee, William Tong; and Executive Advisor of the 4th Hong Kong Games Organising Committee Chau How-chen, as well as athletes from the 18 Districts.
The Club’s support is aimed at encouraging more people to establish a positive and healthy lifestyle through active participation in sports.
Running until 5 June, the Games comprise eight competitions – athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. Each District Council has selected talented athletes from within its own district to participate, so as to encourage more people to enjoy these sports. A team of young reporters from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Youth Sports Reporter Programme will cover the Games to apply the basic skills in sports reporting they have acquired.
Over the past sixty years, the Jockey Club has contributed some HK$7.5 billion in total to promote sports development and to enhance the quality of life of Hong Kong people through recreational projects. They include the construction of public swimming pools and sports grounds, the Hong Kong Stadium, Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, public riding schools and the 2008 Olympic equestrian venues. The Club also supports numerous local sports projects. Its most recent donation in this area is supporting the Hong Kong Sports Institute with funding of HK$103 million to redevelop the old athletes’ hostel into a multi-purpose elite training and coaching centre, which will support development of Paralympic sports, junior elite athletes and coach education.
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$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 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.
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Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (2nd right) joins Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Betty Fung (left) and 4th Hong Kong Games Organising Committee Vice Chairman David Yip (1st right) to perform the eye-dotting at the Games opening ceremony.
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Chairman of the 4th Hong Kong Games Organising Committee William Tong (right) presents a souvenir to the Cluba£į?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (left) in thanks for the Cluba£į?s support of the Games.
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Photos 3/4/5:
HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (Photo 3, back row centre) declares the 4th Hong Kong Games officially open.
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