Jockey Club’s Hong Kong Sevens community programmes enable more than 10,000 beneficiaries to enjoy the mega-sports event

The Hong Kong Jockey Club congratulates Hong Kong China Rugby on the success of the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens, which concluded this evening (30 March). Sevens fever has well and truly returned to the city. Club Chairman Michael Lee presented the Women’s Bowl to the National Team, and joined HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee in presenting the Men's Cup to the champion team – Argentina.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee (second row, 6th left), Club Chairman Michael Lee (second row, 2nd left), and guests at the awards presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Sevens.

This is the fourth consecutive occasion that the Club hassupported the Hong Kong Sevens as Official Community Partner. This year, more than 10,000 beneficiaries of differing ages, abilities and backgrounds have been given opportunities to experience a range of sports including rugby through the Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes. More than 30,000 people have benefited over the years, facilitating citywide engagement in sports events.

Club Chairman Michael Lee (back row, 6th right) presents the Women’s Bowl to the National Team.

The programmes kicked off in early March with the Jockey Club Multi Sport Shared Learning Experience, enabling students to experience the positive energy that sport can bring. In mid-March, the Jockey Club Elite Athletes Sharing Session cum Sport for All Carnival saw nine elite athletes from rugby, horse racing, football, basketball, cricket, gymnastics, obstacle-course-racing and breakdancing share their experiences with a live audience and online. They discussed the meaning and importance of sport’s capacity for inclusivity and for enabling people to pursue their dreams. The carnival featured seven sports-themed booths, giving primary, secondary school students and general public opportunities to enjoy different sports in a relaxed and fun environment.

Club Chairman Michael Lee and the National Team

The three-day Hong Kong Sevens tournament was held for the first time at Kai Tak Sports Park. At the event, Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes added colour to the excitement of the rugby matches. The programmes included the Jockey Club Mini Rugby Showcase, allowing young local rugby players to showcase their skills in the main stadium and experience involvement in a mega-sports event. In addition, the Jockey Club Sevens School Tour and the Jockey Club Sevens Community Experience enabled students and underprivileged groups including the elderly and people with disabilities to experience a world-class tournament. Members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team also accompanied wheelchair users to the event and onsite and provided facepainting services. The CARE Band comprising of CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members performed at the Fan Village, creating a fun atmosphere. 

Club Chairman Michael Lee (back row, 8th right), Club Steward Andrew Weir (back row, 7th left), Club Steward Philip Lo (back row, 6th left) and wheelchair-bound beneficiaries of the Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes at the Jockey Club booth.

Club Chairman Michael Lee (right) and beneficiaries of the Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes visit the Jockey Club booth.

Club Chairman Michael Lee (left) receives thanks from beneficiaries of the Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes.

Members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team paint a mural for Club Chairman Michael Lee (right).

Members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team accompany wheelchair users at the tournament.

Members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team accompany wheelchair users at the tournament.

Volunteers from JC VOLUNTEER TOGETHER lead a Jockey Club Sevens School Tour at Kai Tak Sports Park to raise awareness of the benefits of sports including rugby.

The CARE Band, comprising CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members, perform at the Fan Village.

Club Steward Anita Fung (back row, centre) and Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (left) visit the Jockey Club booth.

The Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes held the Jockey Club Elite Athletes Sharing Session cum Sport for All Carnival in mid-March, bringing together different sectors of society.

The Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes held the Jockey Club Elite Athletes Sharing Session cum Sport for All Carnival in mid-March, bringing together different sectors of society.

Participants of the JC Junior Sports Reporters Programme conduct an on-site interview with Club Jockey Karis Teetan (2nd left) at the Hong Kong Sevens.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at the 10th JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme graduation ceremony today (15 June) the names of six outstanding young leaders who will travel to Manchester, England to participate in a series of activities organised by the Manchester United and its Foundation to learn about the local football culture and engage in community football services .

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 1st left); Manchester United legend Bryan Robson (back row, 2nd left); Hong Kong Head Coach, Manchester United Soccer Schools, Christopher O’Brien (back row, 3rd left) and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee, Jason Lee (back row, 4th left) with six outstanding leaders of the 10th JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme. They have been awarded an opportunity to visit Manchester.

The scheme, organised by the Club in collaboration with Manchester United and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), supported by funding from the Club’s Charities Trust for programme operation this year, was completed by 53 youngsters aged between 15 and 19. The six-month programme, comprising activities including football event organisation training, star mentor workshops, personal challenge and community football activities, helps young people to develop leadership potential and contributes to the betterment of our society.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme helps young people develop physically, mentally and socially.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said that as a world-class sports organisation, the Club is strongly committed to supporting sports development in schools, the community and at the elite level. The Club actively seeks opportunities, such as the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme and a series of activities in collaboration with Manchester United, to strengthen connectivity between East and West for youngsters’ benefit. He congratulated the graduates and said he believed the scheme has helped young people seize opportunities and develop physically, mentally and socially.

The Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges says the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme helps young people develop physically, mentally and socially.

During the ceremony, held at Happy Valley Racecourse, the Club’s CEO presented each of the six outstanding leaders with a Certificate of Merit. Selected on the basis of their outstanding attitude and performance, they will participate in the football-cultural exchange tour to Manchester in August. Four other leaders were presented with a  Most Improved Award by TWGHs’ 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee, Jason Lee.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson, one of the most influential footballers of the 1980s and 1990s, nicknamed “Captain Marvel” for his performances with both England and Manchester United, witnessed the young leaders’ graduation. He shared tips on good leadership and experiences from his Manchester United career, which spanned 13 seasons.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson witnesses the graduation ceremony and shares leadership tips with participants.

The Club has worked as a Hong Kong Community Football Partner of Manchester United since 2012, launching various programmes to support youth development at school, community and elite levels. More than 480 youngsters have participated in the JC Youth Football Leadership Scheme since 2014. Notably, 48 outstanding young leaders have had the opportunity to visit Manchester.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson (left) watches the Summer Series races at Sha Tin Racecourse on Saturday (14 June) with the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (right).

Over the years, the Club has promoted sports at both the community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy sports. Funded by the Club in partnership with the Government, the Hong Kong Sports Institute was established in 1982 (initially named Jubilee Sports Centre) as a training base for elite local athletes. In 2021, the Club pledged HK$150 million to match the HKSAR Government’s HK$150 million grant for the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme.