The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced today (26 June) that it will provide HK$450 million to support the Hong Kong Competition Region in this year’s 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games (NGD & NSOG). This underlines the Club’s support for national sporting events and its strong commitment to promoting sports development together with the HKSAR Government.
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Signing Ceremony for The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Support for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in the Hong Kong Competition Region was held at the Central Government Offices today. The signing ceremony was witnessed by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee. Signatories were HKSAR Government Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law and Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. The Club and its Charities Trust are together providing a total of HK$450 million and will be the sole Partner Sponsor of the National Games and NGD & NSOG for the Hong Kong Competition Region, making them the highest-tier sponsor.
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15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The National Games, held once every four years, are the nation’s highest-level and largest multi-sports event. This year will be the first time Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have co-hosted the National Games as well as the NGD & NSOG. This is a historic moment and a unique opportunity, not only to promote sportsmanship, health, and cohesion within the Greater Bay Area but also to showcase Hong Kong's ability to host major sports events.
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Club Chairman Michael Lee extended his best wishes for the success of the National Games as well as the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games. He remarked that the Club, as a world-class sports organisation with a strong commitment to the country and Hong Kong, has consistently supported the advancement of the country’s sporting aspirations and development needs. For example, the Club funded the construction of the venues for the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympic Games and Guangzhou Asian Games as well as providing professional support. It also provided technical support for the Hangzhou Asian Games equestrian events. As such the Club is honoured to support these major sporting events. Indeed, the National Games will further strengthen the Greater Bay Area’s integration while also promoting institutional innovation through sport.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, HKSAR Government Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law emphasised that the successful hosting of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG is a major priority for Hong Kong this year. She highlighted that the staunch support and sponsorship from the HKJC would significantly boost event preparations in Hong Kong, particularly in supporting volunteer service programmes, territory-wide community and school promotional activities, and initiatives enabling underprivileged groups and youth to attend the events as spectators. She expressed gratitude for the HKJC’s contribution and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to co-hosting with Guangdong and Macao a simple, safe and wonderful Games.
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Club is also pleased to sponsor the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to provide cash incentives under the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS) to Hong Kong, China athletes who win medals at the National Games and NGD. The scheme has already rewarded Hong Kong, China athletes for their outstanding performances, including at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. The Club wishes athletes the very best for the games and looks forward to their outstanding results.
In addition, around 100 members from the Club’s CARE@hkjc volunteer team will help out as Group Volunteers for the Hong Kong Competition Region. Sharing the Club’s purpose - for the betterment of society - the dedicated staff members will undergo 13 hours of training in preparation. Aside from showing their caring hearts, their involvement in the National Games Volunteer Programme exemplifies the Club's strong support for national sports development.v
As a world-class sports organisation rooted in Hong Kong, the Club has long been a staunch supporter of the country’s major regional and international multi-sports events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Following the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, the Club developed Conghua Racecourse, transforming the former equestrian competition venue in Conghua district, Guangzhou, into a world-class horse training facility. The Club’s longtime collaboration with government authorities has significantly advanced cross-boundary co-operation with respect to horse transportation, quarantine, veterinary practices and the use of medications.
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 HKSI was established in 1982 (initially named the 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.
The 15th National Games will be held from 9 to 21 November 2025. Hong Kong will stage eight competition events: basketball (men’s U22), track cycling, fencing, golf, handball (men), rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball, and one mass-participation event, bowling.
The NGD & NSOG will take place from 8 to 15 December 2025. Hong Kong will stage four competition events, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing and table tennis (TT11) for the NGD, and table tennis for the NSOG. There will also be a mass-participation para dance sports event.
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has consistently supported the advancement of the country’s sports development and the promotion of inclusivity in sports, encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to lead active and healthy lifestyles. In the last ten years alone, the Club’s Charities Trust has provided nearly HK$6.7 billion to support sports development at both elite and community levels.
The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (3rd left); Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (2nd right); The Hon Martin Liao, Club Chairman (3rd right); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer (2nd left); The Hon Kenneth Fok, Member of the Legislative Council (1st right), and George Tsoi, Commissioner for Sports (1st left) officiate at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day.
Today, the Club stated that it will continue its efforts to advance sports development in Hong Kong. By bringing major sports events into the community and progressing towards professional and industry development, the Club aims to support the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote sports in the community, support elite sports, maintain Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events, enhance professionalism and develop sports as an industry.
This year’s The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day was held at Sha Tin Racecourse, attracting over 200 charity and community representatives. The ceremony was officiated by The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; The Hon Martin Liao, Club Chairman; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer; The Hon Kenneth Fok, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR; and George Tsoi, Commissioner for Sports of the HKSAR Government.
Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao said this year’s Community Day, featuring sports as its theme, aimed to showcase the Club’s contribution and strong commitment to sports development in Hong Kong.
Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao highlighted that horse racing is a symbol of the city’s prosperity and stability under One Country, Two Systems, and remains a highly popular sport, embodying Hong Kong’s “can-do” spirit. This year’s Community Day features sports as its theme, showcasing the Club’s contribution and strong commitment to sports development in Hong Kong. Through its unique integrated business model, the Club delivers world-class horse racing and responsible wagering, supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling, and generates economic and social value for Hong Kong through tax contributions, charity donations and employment opportunities for the betterment of society. In the last financial year, the Club contributed a total of HK$39.1 billion to society, including HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, with its Charities Trust among the biggest donors worldwide and the largest in Asia.
The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that the Club has long been one of the Government’s most valued partners in the promotion of sports.
The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised the Government’s continued commitment to investing in and promoting sports development in Hong Kong. She noted that the Club has long been one of the Government’s most valued partners in the promotion of sports, from supporting the construction of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (formerly the Jubilee Sports Centre) in the late 1970s to its support for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, as well as various “M” Mark events including the Hong Kong Sevens, which concludes today at Kai Tak Sports Park.
Officiating guests, Club Stewards and members of the Club’s Board of Management toast the success of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day.
Going forward, the Club will continue to work alongside stakeholders to contribute to Hong Kong’s sports development blueprint. Leveraging major sports events as a platform, the Club will bring sports culture deeper into the community through continued support for multiple “M” Mark events as an Official Community Partner, enabling broader participation, including among underprivileged groups, to experience the appeal of sports and promote social inclusion. In parallel, new initiatives will continue to be introduced, such as this week’s “Racing with Rugby”, to further enhance the economic impact, international profile and benefits of sports development generated by major events in Hong Kong.
The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (centre), together with The Hon Martin Liao, Club Chairman (left) and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer (right) in a group photo.
The Club will also actively foster a vibrant culture of community sports by developing iconic sports such as equestrian, football, basketball, golf and rugby, broadening the public’s exposure while deepening interest and sports literacy. These diverse activities and support programmes will help enhance youth resilience, improve physical and mental health, and strengthen social cohesion, thereby fostering positive values.
The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (right), presents The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy to Alan Hu (left), owner of the winning horse Absolute Honour. The historic 170-year-old trophy was generously donated by the late Tobias Brown in recognition of the Club’s charitable contributions to the community.
To further strengthen the sports ecosystem and promote sustainable development, the Club will continue to enhance talent development, strengthen corporate governance and improve management capacity across sports organisations. These efforts will generate greater social impact, raise professional standards across the sector, and support the development of both elite and community sports. Through these initiatives, the Club aims to work closely with the HKSAR Government and partners across society to inject new momentum in local sports development and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a world-class destination for sports, entertainment and tourism.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy presentation ceremony.
Sports development remains one of the Club’s key focus areas. The Club has long supported a wide range of sports initiatives to promote a healthier and more vibrant society. These include:
• The Trust-initiated and funded JC Fit City, which encourages citizens to incorporate sports and exercise into their daily lives to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended weekly level of physical activity;
• JC Project MuSE, a school-based music (Mu) and sports (S) education (E) programme for primary school children in the most impoverished areas of Hong Kong;
• The Jockey Club HKFA Football Development Programme, which empowers people of all ages and abilities - including students, parents, coaches and seniors - to experience the joy of football;
• The Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, which provides a platform for young footballers from different areas to learn, exchange views, and understand cultural differences.
Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao (centre), together with JC Fit City participant Yui (right) and JC Fit City project partner representative Lily Tse (left) pose for a photo. Yui shared that the JC Fit City project helped him break the “sport-zero” habit and significantly improve his health.
The Club initiated the annual Community Day race meeting in 2005 as a way of honouring its successful partnerships with Government and community organisations for the betterment of society. This initiative followed the generous donation of a silver racing trophy, over 170 years old, by the late Tobias Brown, in recognition of the Club’s charitable contributions to the community. It has since been renamed The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy. It was won this year by Absolute Honour, ridden by Zac Purton. The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, presented the trophy to winning owner Alan Hu.
