Jockey Club School Sports Programmes support the advancement of inter-school competitions

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting a major initiative to strengthen school sports development across Hong Kong through the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, launched last year in partnership with The Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF). As the first HKSSF initiative to receive funding from the Trust, the programmes aim to support the continuous enhancement of inter-school sports competitions while improving the quality, accessibility and sustainability of school sports across Hong Kong.

Group photo of awardees at the Jockey Club Schools Sports Programmes Laurel School Award 2025-2026.

Under the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, the Jockey Club Student Athlete Recognition Scheme - Laurel School Award 2025-2026 Presentation Ceremony was held today (13 July) at Diocesan Girls’ School. The Laurel School Award is one of the most prestigious honours in Hong Kong school sports, recognising schools that have demonstrated outstanding all-round performance across a wide range of sporting competitions.

Bernard Chan, Club Steward (right), presents Sportsboy and Sportsgirl of The Year Awards.

Officiating guests at the award ceremony included May Chan, Permanent Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Stella Lau, Honorary President (Life) of the HKSSF. Also attending were representatives of the HKSSF, school principals, teachers and student athletes.

May Chan, Permanent Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); Stella Lau, Honorary President (Life) of the HKSSF (1st right), and other guests officiate at the Jockey Club Schools Sports Programmes Laurel School Award 2025-2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Bernard Chan said, “As a world-class sports organisation, the Jockey Club is a firm believer in youth development through sport. Through our Charities Trust we have donated close to HK$6.7 billion over the past decade to promote sports development at elite and community levels. Through the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, we hope to inspire more students to participate in sport, while ensuring that every young person, regardless of their school, district or background, has access to high-quality sporting opportunities.”

Bernard Chan, Club Steward, delivers a speech at the Laurel School Award 2025-2026.

In 2025, the Trust approved a donation of HK$70.3 million to support the five-year programme to strengthen inter-school competitions at both primary and secondary schools through enhanced competition standards, athlete recognition, volunteer development and sustainability initiatives. It is expected to benefit more than 340,000 students, provide training opportunities for over 1,400 students, teachers and parent volunteers, and attract over 540,000 attendances at programme-related events over the five-year period. The programme also aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan’s emphasis on talent cultivation, youth development, and the advancement of a strong sporting nation and healthy China.

Group photo.

The Club’s support for the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, 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.

In recent years, the demand for mental health and emotional support services has become increasingly pressing. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported various online and offline emotional support initiatives. This includes funding the renovation of Suicide Prevention Services’ Ping Shek service centre. The upgraded facility expands its service capacity and enables the provision of more comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals, those at imminent risk and their families. The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre was officially reopened today (11 July).

The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.

Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre were Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mrs Wendy Kwok, Honorary Patron and Chairperson of Suicide Prevention Services; and Mrs Linda Lau, Honorary Patron and Executive Committee Member of the Suicide Prevention Services.

Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); Mrs Wendy Kwok, Honorary Patron and Chairperson of Suicide Prevention Services (1st left); and Mrs Linda Lau, Honorary Patron and Executive Committee Member of the Suicide Prevention Services (1st right) at the opening ceremony of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Ann Kung said that the Club recognises that mental health is the foundation of a happy life and an essential element of sustainable social development. The Club is committed to promoting and protecting the mental well-being of the community through a multi-faceted approach, supporting a wide range of emotional support services through cross-sector collaboration. Looking ahead, the Club will continue to work hand in hand with partners across the community to support public mental health on multiple fronts — from schools to neighbourhoods, from the healthcare system to both online and offline platforms — providing comprehensive and coordinated support for those in need.

Club Steward Ann Kung delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.

For over three decades, the Club has been a steadfast supporter of Suicide Prevention Services in providing assistance to people experiencing emotional distress, with approved donations totaling over HK$100 million. In addition to funding the renovation of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre, the Club has in recent years supported several of its initiatives, including Jockey Club Outreach and Counselling Services for Carers, which provides assistance to caregivers at risk of emotional crisis, and Jockey Club Project BLESS, which offers support to the families and friends of individuals who have passed away unexpectedly.

The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Ping Shek service centre has been Suicide Prevention Services’ headquarters and principal service base. The renovation project reconfigured approximately 256 square metres of space to improve operational efficiency and enhance the user experience. Counselling rooms and activity areas have been redesigned to provide a safer and more comfortable setting for counselling sessions and group activities. Barrier-free facilities and an accessible toilet have also been added to better meet the needs of a diverse range of service users.

The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.

The centre is also an important hub for volunteer training. As part of the upgrade, a range of new facilities and technologies has been introduced to strengthen support for volunteers and front-line services. These include a hands-free, noise-cancelling hotline system to improve call quality, as well as an emergency support alert system that enables staff to provide immediate assistance when required.

The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre.

With its upgraded facilities, Suicide Prevention Services expects to further expand its service capacity. The number of trained volunteers is projected to increase by approximately 25% to serve an estimated 20% more individuals seeking help. These enhancements will strengthen Suicide Prevention Services’ comprehensive range of support services, including its 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, bereavement counselling and community outreach programmes.

The Club’s support for the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Service Centre, 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.