Jockey Club supports international rugby events with community programmes benefiting over 12,000 people

The Hong Kong Sevens concluded successfully this evening (19 April) at Kai Tak Stadium with The Hong Kong Jockey Club having supported the tournament for the fifth consecutive year as the Official Community Partner. This year, the Club has also become the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Football Club 10s for the first time. Through a series of community programmes, the Club enabled over 12,000 people to experience a variety of sports first-hand.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao presented the Women’s Bowl to the xxx. Together with other distinguished guests, he also joined HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee in presenting the Men's Cup to the winning team – South Africa.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee (5th left), Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao (1st left) and guests at the awards presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Sevens.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao (2nd row, 6th right) presents the Women’s Bowl to the winning team - Brazil.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law at Jockey Club booth with Shetland ponies.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao (2nd right) and his wife (1st left) receive thanks from beneficiaries of the Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes.

The Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes added a strong community dimension to this year’s tournament. Talented young local rugby players demonstrated their skills in the Jockey Club Mini Rugby Showcase at the stadium. Meanwhile, the Jockey Club Sevens Community Experience and the newly added Jockey Club 10s Rugby Community Programme enabled primary and secondary school students, as well as underprivileged groups - including seniors and persons with disabilities - to attend world-class rugby events and experience their vibrant atmosphere. In addition, members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team led students in the Jockey Club Sevens School Tour and the tertiary volunteer provided support for attending primary and secondary students. The Club’s CARE@hkjc team provided face-painting services, and got together in the CARE Band to deliver an energetic performance on the stage that further enhanced the joyful festive atmosphere. This year’s HKJC booth featured a special pony encounter celebrating the Year of the Horse and highlighting the close bond between humans and horses.

Club Steward Anita Fung (right) visits the Jockey Club booth.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges at Jockey Club booth with Shetland ponies.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges visits the Jockey Club booth and interacts with the participating children.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges visits the Jockey Club booth and interacts with the participating children.

Last month, the Jockey Club Multi-Sports Experience Day introduced students to a variety of new sporting activities. This was followed by the Jockey Club Elite Athletes Sharing Session cum Sports for All Carnival, where elite athletes shared their inspiring journeys. The carnival also featured multiple interactive booths, allowing students and members of the public to enjoy various sports in a fun and relaxed setting. The athletes’ sharing sessions were also extended to elderly homes and special education needs schools, ensuring sport reached every corner of the community.

HKSAR Government Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Vivian Sum (left); HKSAR Government Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi (Centre) and the Club’s Executive Director of the Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam (left) join painting activity at the Jockey Club booth.

Hong Kong Sevens Ambassador Salom Yiu and beneficiaries of the Jockey Club Sevens Community Programmes.

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

The Club collaborated with the Hong Kong China Rugby and the Hong Kong Football Club to launch the brand-new “Racing with Rugby” activities, which kicked off the Sevens festivities. Horse racing and rugby both have deep roots in Hong Kong, with histories spanning over a century, and continue to attract visitors and enthusiasts from around the world. The “Racing with Rugby” series offered a unique opportunity to enjoy two world-class sporting spectacles in one grand celebration, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier events capital.

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.

For years, the Club has promoted inclusive sports participation and encouraged citizens of different ages, abilities and backgrounds to make sporting activities a habit. In 2024/25, the Club’s Charities Trust supported eight “M” Mark events as Official Community Partner, reaching a total of over 81,000 beneficiaries.

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

The Club’s support for community sports, sports development and participation, like all its charity and community donations, 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 (HKJC) tonight (15 April) hosted a “Racing with Rugby” Celebration Dinner at Happy Valley Racecourse, bringing together thrilling horse racing and dynamic rugby games. Through HKJC’s partnership with Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC), today marked the first time the HKFC 10s tournament had been held during the daytime followed by a Happy Wednesday race night – both at Happy Valley – on the same day. Visitors were able to enjoy world-class horse racing after watching the high-intensity rugby matches just a short distance away, further fuelling the city’s vibrant sporting atmosphere.

From field to track: “Racing with Rugby” brings a thrilling day-and-night sporting spectacle to Happy Valley.

The dinner was attended by The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; The Hon Martin Liao, HKJC Chairman; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC Chief Executive Officer; Chris Brooke, HKCR Chairman; and Nicholas Hunsworth, HKFC President and HKJC Steward.

The dinner was attended by The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; The Hon Martin Liao, HKJC Chairman; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC Chief Executive Officer; Chris Brooke, HKCR Chairman and Nicholas Hunsworth, HKFC President and HKJC Steward.

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, said “Racing with Rugby” offers a precious opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy two world-class sports in a single celebration, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s events capital. The partnership is about more than just sports. It is also a testament to collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong as a global sports destination. She congratulated the HKJC on this season’s record-breaking tourist attendance, which continues to grow. This demonstrates HKJC’s exceptional ability to showcase Hong Kong’s unique horse-racing culture on the world stage.

From field to track: “Racing with Rugby” brings a thrilling day-and-night sporting spectacle to Happy Valley.

The Hon Martin Liao, HKJC Chairman, thanked the HKSAR Government for its continued support of horse racing in Hong Kong, as well as HKCR and the HKFC for their partnership in bringing the two sports together. He noted that racing and rugby are both mainstays of Hong Kong’s expanding role as a global hub for sports tourism. Flagship events such as the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, together with major “M” Mark events including the Hong Kong Sevens, are helping to raise the city’s global profile and drive growth in the tourism economy. He added that the HKJC strongly supports these objectives and looks forward to welcoming more tourists to Hong Kong.

To support the innovative “Racing with Rugby” collaboration, the HKFC 10s competition schedule was brought forward this year, enabling spectators to transition seamlessly to Happy Valley Racecourse after the tournament to enjoy the night races.

From field to track: “Racing with Rugby” brings a thrilling day-and-night sporting spectacle to Happy Valley.

Beyond the track, Happy Wednesday was transformed into a vibrant, rugby-themed carnival. Racing and rugby fans enjoyed live performances by internationally renowned singer Jason Donovan and ABBA tribute group BABBA. Fans delivered their loudest cheers at the “Shout Stand”, bringing the legendary South Stand spirit to Happy Valley Racecourse and building momentum ahead of the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens.

For the first time, the HKJC this year serves as the Official Community Partner of the HKFC 10s, and continues its role as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens for the fifth year. By hosting booths at fan villages, supporting outreach programmes and youth rugby competitions, and providing tickets to students, the elderly and underprivileged groups, the HKJC shares the excitement of rugby with the wider community. All of these initiatives will enable more than 12,000 people to experience a variety of sports activities this year.

From field to track: “Racing with Rugby” brings a thrilling day-and-night sporting spectacle to Happy Valley.

Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has promoted sports at both community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports. Its support for community sports, sports development and participation, like all its charity and community donations, 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.