Jockey Club Bridges Elders to Brighter Lives

In light of the rising number of elderly singletons and doubletons in Hong Kong, many of whom face social isolation and limited support networks, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has approved around HK$380 million through its Charities Trust to launch the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project. This four-year project is designed to provide timely and targeted assistance to grass-roots elders by strengthening community support and promoting social integration for elderly couples and those living alone.

Officiating guests at the launch ceremony for the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project included HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (2nd left) and Club Steward Bernard Chan (2nd right).

A launch ceremony for the project was held today (28 October). Among the officiating guests were HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun and Club Steward Bernard Chan.

Club Steward Bernard Chan delivers a speech at the launch ceremony for the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project.

At the ceremony, Club Steward Bernard Chan explained that Older Adults is one of the key priorities of the Club's charities strategy. The Club has taken a proactive role in initiating and supporting elderly care service projects through multi-sector collaboration and innovative approaches, he said. This reflects the Club's steadfast commitment to enhancing elders' quality of life. The project identifies elderly individuals who lack social and support networks and provides them with timely and appropriate service referrals tailored to their physical, mental and spiritual needs - helping them reconnect with the community.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (centre), Club Steward Bernard Chan (1st left) and other guests tour the exhibition to learn more about services provided by the project, which spans all the city’s 18 districts.

The project began in 2023 as a pilot in six districts and has since expanded to cover all 18 districts across the city. The initiative mobilises community networks in collaboration with 20 non-governmental organisations to identify socially isolated elders through cross-sectoral collaboration, proactive outreach and creative engagement activities. Community stakeholders, including district-based organisations and local shops, are engaged to co-operate in building a close-knit support network. To ensure timely assistance and facilitate appropriate matching of social services, project partners utilise an assessment tool developed by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) to evaluate the physical, psychological and social health status of elderly participants, as well as their service needs. Preliminary findings from HKU's impact assessment indicate improved social connectedness among beneficiaries. Participants are increasingly engaged within their communities, contributing to improved overall mobility.

Club Steward Bernard Chan and other guests tour the exhibition about the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project.

Club Steward Bernard Chan and other guests tour the exhibition about the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project.

In addition, the project provides home improvement services for eligible elderly individuals in need. After gaining an understanding of beneficiaries' daily habits and challenges, project partners provide basic home repair services, replacement of unsafe essential appliances, and installation of home safety assistive devices. These enhancements reduce the risk of home accidents and create a more secure living environment, enabling older adults to age in place with comfort and autonomy. To date, the project has benefited over 11,000 elderly individuals and is expected to reach a total of 30,000 beneficiaries, with more than 15,000 elderly households receiving home improvement support.

The Club's support for the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project, like all its charity and community contributions, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. The Manchester United Academy U16 squad will visit Hong Kong and join young local players in a week-long football and cultural exchange programme. The highlight of the summit will be two friendly matches, with young players from both sides showcasing their skills on the pitch.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post

The two matches are scheduled to take place on 14 and 16 August at Mong Kok Stadium. The first match will be between the Manchester United Academy U16 squad and the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 Champions - Kitchee. The second match will feature the visiting team versus the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team.

During the summit, two Manchester United legends - former captain Antonio Valencia and former defender Jaap Stam - will also visit Hong Kong. They will join young players in exchange activities and appear at the matches respectively to meet and interact with fans, further heightening the excitement at the stadium.

This year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post

Members of the public can register online at charities.hkjc.com from 10:00 am on 13 July (Monday) to obtain free tickets for the matches (each person can register a maximum of 4 tickets for each match). On-site activities will also include game booths, photo opportunities and live performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for football fans.

Photo by Bastille Post

Officiating at the ceremony, Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said football offers young players a valuable opportunity - not only to develop their skills, but also to build discipline and perseverance. The summit provides training and exchange opportunities, helping to strengthen young people's self-belief. He added that, as a world-class equine sports and charity organisation, the Club has donated close to HK$6.7 billion to support sports development at both elite and community levels. The Club is also committed to supporting major "M" Mark sports events, reinforcing the city's status as a world-class hub for international sports and entertainment.

Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo by Bastille Post

David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, stated that football has the transformative power to inspire and develop young people. The JC Youth Football Academy Summit provides a truly unique platform for young footballers from both Manchester and Hong Kong. It's an initiative through which talent meets opportunity; where the players learn, exchange views and gain invaluable understanding of cultural differences and similarities - experiences that extend far beyond the football pitch.

David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, Photo by Bastille Post

John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, said the JC Youth Football Academy Summit offers Hong Kong's young players a valuable platform for football and cultural exchange. The Football Association hopes that by interacting with and learning from Manchester United Academy players, they will broaden their horizons, enrich their lives, and continue to improve and progress in their football careers.

John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Photo by Bastille Post

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov drew on his own experiences to encourage young people to stay resilient in the face of setbacks.

Recalling his tryout for Bulgaria's national youth team, he admitted he had been confident of making the cut—only to be left out. "That moment was really painful for me," he said. "It felt like someone was telling you that you weren't good enough. It was crushing."

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post

Yet he refused to let that disappointment define him. Instead, he kept pushing forward, and that persistence eventually paved the way for the success he enjoys today.

Reflecting on his journey, he described the opportunity to connect and learn with young people from diverse backgrounds as "a wonderful process." He also offered a piece of heartfelt advice: "I hope they will stay committed to learning and remain consistent in their efforts, because that will truly make a difference."

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post