Hong Kong’s first indoor sports ground and famed basketball hotspot Southorn Stadium reopened today (25 January) after a four-month major upgrade largely funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. More international sports events, as a result, will be able to be held at the stadium, with a history of over half a century.
Celebrating the refurbishment completion, the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So joined Hong Kong Playground Association (HKPA) Chairman Victor Hui, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Community Relations) Dr Samuel Chui, Sir David Trench Fund Committee Chairman Lisa Lau and HKPA Steering Committee on Southorn Stadium Facilities Enhancement Plan Chairman David Yau to officiate at the reopening.
Mr So said, “The Jockey Club is delighted to donate another HK$15 million to the Hong Kong Playground Association for the major renovation work of the Southorn Stadium after our 1989 donation for the installation of an air-conditioning system in the arena. We hope that the upgraded stadium will provide versatile service and hold more high-level, large-scale and international competitions and events in the future as part of efforts to contribute to Hong Kong’s leisure and recreational development.”
The stadium was built in 1950 and the recent renovation is the largest-ever in the past 20 years after its redevelopment in the late 1980s. The renovated stadium is among Hong Kong’s first batch of public sports grounds which use the eco-friendly flooring wood Green Play. With the maple floor on top, Green Play has subfloor panels mainly made from recycled engineered polymer and cushion design that enhances shock absorption. A new air-conditioning system and railings were also installed. The 1,995 plastic seats were replaced with padded foldable stadium seats, specially designed to be more comfortable for spectators.
During the last 60 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$7.5 billion to promote sports development and enhance the quality of life of Hong Kong people through recreational projects. They include the construction of public swimming pools, sports grounds and the Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, the refurbishment of the Hong Kong Stadium, as well as the Club’s strong support for the Hong Kong Games.
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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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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The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (2nd left) joins Hong Kong Playground Association Chairman Victor Hui (centre), Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Community Relations) Dr Samuel Chui (1st left), Sir David Trench Fund Committee Chairman Lisa Lau (2nd right) and HKPA Steering Committee on Southorn Stadium Facilities Enhancement Plan Chairman David Yau (1st right) to officiate at the Southorn Stadium reopening ceremony-cum-Hong Kong Basketball All-star Game.
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The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (right) receives a souvenir from Hong Kong Playground Association Chairman Victor Hui (left).
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The Club's Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (back row, 4th right) presents a trophy to Joint Team of Division A1 Hong Kong Basketball League, the winning team of an invitational basketball match.
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Group photo.
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Photos 5 & 6:
The renovated Southorn Stadium is equipped with 1,995 new seats, the eco-friendly floor and an energy-saving air-conditioning system.
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Photos 7 & 8:
Highlights of the basketball match between South China Athletic Association mena£á?s basketball team and DLAS FLIGHT.
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