More than 7,000 athletes representing all 18 Districts are expected to participate in the 5th Hong Kong Games (HKG) to be held from 25 April to 31 May, which this year will feature a new activity named The Jockey Club Vitality Run to promote the "Sports for All" culture. The Club continues to be the principal contributor of the biennial sports event with a HK$6 million contribution.
Details of the Vitality Run were announced at a press conference held today (12 January). Guests attending the conference included the Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan, the Chairman of the 5th HKG Organising Committee William Tong and Executive Adviser Chau How-chen, Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services) Richard Wong and Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association Dr Simon Yeung.
Speaking at the press conference, Ms Chan noted that the Club is dedicated to promoting local sports development by funding major recreational facilities as well as bringing world-class competitions to Hong Kong. "We hope to encourage public participation by supporting a new activity named The Jockey Club Vitality Run, so that more people can join and share the joy of running. In the coming three to five years, the Club will strategically focus on supporting sports projects that can create lifelong positive values and hopes," she said.
The Jockey Club Vitality Run will be held on the 8 March alongside the Sha Tin Shing Mun River, with the start and finish point located at Sha Tin Sports Ground. The event is suitable for families and people of different abilities as there will be a 3km run open to all-comers and an 8km run open to people aged 16 or above. People wishing to participate can enrol from 15 January by submitting the application form through the Internet, by mail or in person.
The organisers plan to create a fun carnival atmosphere with runners encouraged to dress up to compete for the Most Creative Costume Prize and Overall Best Team Costume Prize. All participants completing the run within a set time limit will receive a certificate and a souvenir medal. Other entertainment will come in the form of stage performances, game booths, a family area and a photo corner.
The Jockey Club has been the principal contributor of the Games for three consecutive events. Apart from The Jockey Club Vitality Run, the Club is also the title sponsor of the futsal games and basketball games. It will provide a good opportunity for athletes to compete while encouraging more people to establish a positive and healthy lifestyle.
Other competitions under the Games include badminton, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. Each District Council will select talented athletes within its own district to enter the competitions, so as to encourage more people to participate and enjoy the sports.
Furthermore, to promote the integration between able-bodied and disabled persons, the 5th HKG will also invite athletes from the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped and the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled to participate in several of these activities. For more details, please visit www.hongkonggames.hk.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong's largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia's most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2013/14, its donations reached a record $3.6 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,275 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$19.58 billion in 2013/14. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong's largest employers with over 24,800 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong. Please visit 130.hkjc.com.
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The Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (1st left) joins the Chairman of the 5th HKG Organising Committee William Tong (centre) and Executive Adviser Chau How-chen (2nd left), Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services) Richard Wong (2nd right) and Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association Dr Simon Yeung (1st right) to officiate at the launching ceremony of The Jockey Club Vitality Run.
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Group photo.
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Hong Kong Elite Athletes (Marathon) Chow Chi-ngan demonstrates warm up exercises to other guests.
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