Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong torch relay for the 15th National Games was held today (2 November), with nine torchbearers from The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) proudly taking part. Additionally, the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, also serving as Group Volunteers for the Hong Kong Competition Region, cheered on torchbearers along the relay route in celebration of the Games.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Club, as the sole Partner Sponsor of the Hong Kong Competition Region of the 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games (NGD & NSOG), is honoured to have taken part in the torch relay. Its participation highlights the Club’s vitality and unity in inspiring the community, while reaffirming its steadfast support for the 15th National Games.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, served as the 4th torchbearer, running the Central and Western Promenade (Central Section). Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, participated as the 47th torchbearer along the final stretch of the relay at Kai Tak.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Notably, two legs of the Hong Kong relay were run by groups of torchbearers, one of which comprised Club representatives. Torchbearers for the “HKJC group”, carrying the flame in Tsim Sha Tsui, are Jockey Vincent Ho - Hong Kong’s first home-grown jockey to win the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship and six other Club representatives from various divisions - some of whom are retired athletes. They included: Amanda Bond from Equestrian Affairs; Hanane Sabri from Racing Marketing (former French national runner); Chris Lo from Football Wagering; Christen Ho from Corporate Security; Nathan Ho from Charities (former Hong Kong rowing elite athlete); and Trainee Apprentice Jockey Alan Lai. Their participation underscored the Club’s purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society in every respect and the multiculturalism.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

In support of the National Games, the Club has committed over HK$500 million to the Hong Kong and Guangdong Competition Regions. As sole Partner Sponsor of the Hong Kong Competition Region, it is supporting volunteer service programmes, territory-wide community and school promotional activities, as well as initiatives to help underprivileged groups and young people attend the events as spectators. Some 100 members from the Club’s Volunteer Team will help out as Group Volunteers in the Hong Kong Competition Region.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

In the Guangdong Competition Region, the Club is providing high-quality technical support for the equestrian events in Shenzhen, leveraging its extensive experience in organising horse sports competitions. To help ensure the equestrian events are conducted to a high standard, the Club is also deploying an expert team and loaning specialist equipment. Additionally, the Club will support the Guangdong Competition Region’s official activities, volunteer services and promotion work.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

To recognise the achievements of Hong Kong athletes at the 15th National Games, the Club is sponsoring the Hong Kong Sports Institute to provide cash incentives to medal winners under the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme.

Jockey Club takes part in the 15th National Games torch relay as excitement for event builds in Hong Kong. Image source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (31 May) marked the successful conclusion of its “May · We Care” staff volunteer initiative. Throughout the month, members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team (CARE Team) took part in over 80 volunteer activities, contributing more than 4,700 service hours in support of the community. The initiative reflects the Club’s long-standing commitment to giving back to society through meaningful action, making May a month of collective impact.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle) and volunteers guide participating families in creating soft pastel artworks.

Comprising full-time, part-time and retired Club employees, the CARE Team organised “May · We Care” for the second consecutive year, encouraging staff participation in a wide range of volunteer activities. Club management, together with over 1,300 CARE Team members, participated in various voluntary services, supporting causes spanning sports, children and youth, animal welfare, underprivileged groups, elderly care, and environmental protection.

Club Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam (back in the red shirt) joins volunteers to guide kindergarten children in transforming second-hand toys into creative toy artworks, extending the lifespan of discarded toys and encouraging sustainability.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said, “As a Club, we are committed to creating positive impact and working for the betterment of society. Now in its second year, with more volunteers taking part, ‘May · We Care’ underscores our dedication to the community and demonstrates how deeply our people are engaged in serving it. This initiative is a powerful reflection of the genuine care of those who work at - or have retired from - the Club. Volunteering truly is the heart and soul of what we do, it connects our team directly to the community and reminds us why the Club is so special – bringing to life our ‘One Club, One Vision, One Team’ spirit.”

Club Executive Director, Membership and Customer Excellence, Terecina Kwong (2nd right), joins colleagues in baking horse-shaped cookies with persons with intellectual disabilities and people undergoing rehabilitation, promoting social inclusion.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges joined 16 volunteers in leading underprivileged families on a docent tour of Tai Kwun, introducing the 180-year history of the heritage site, the Club’s contribution to its conservation and revitalisation, as well as its ongoing funding of operations – making Tai Kwun one of Hong Kong’s most popular cultural landmarks for both locals and tourists. The volunteers also served as workshop facilitators, guiding participants through a soft pastel art session to create their own unique “Ponies on Parade” artworks.

Over 100 volunteers visit elderly residents in Tuen Mun, Tai Po and the North District, delivering nutritious food and care.

Through “May · We Care”, the CARE Team successfully recruited more than 100 new members, bringing total membership to over 2,300. The team continues to broaden its impact by integrating members’ skills into volunteer service through innovative initiatives such as the “CARE Band”, “Cantonese Opera Team”, “CARE Painters”, “Balloon Twisting Team”,  “Hair Cutting Team” and “CAREthelets”. Together, these efforts help foster a more caring and inclusive community.

Volunteers support dog adoption days across districts, including at the pet-friendly HKJC Lohas Park Off-Course Betting Branch, helping homeless dogs find new families.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right back row) and volunteers lead participating families on a docent-led tour of Tai Kwun, introducing its history and heritage features.