Jockey Club supports youthfest@HK for the fourth consecutive year to empower young people to build a brighter future

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is supporting youthfest@HK for the fourth consecutive year, with the 2026 edition launching today (28 July) at the HYAB JC Y Cube at Youth Square in Chai Wan. As the annual flagship initiative under the HKSAR Government’s Youth Development Blueprint, youthfest@HK provides a positive and inclusive platform for young people from diverse backgrounds to realise their potential, broaden their horizons and cultivate positive values, a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective. These experiences equip young people to meet future challenges with confidence. Since 2023, the Club has supported the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) in delivering youthfest@HK through the Chief Executive’s Community Project List, with an annual approved donation of HK$10 million from the Club’s Charities Trust.

Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (5th right); Clarence Leung, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government (9th left); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (4th right); Patrick Li, Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government (8th left); Kenneth Leung, Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission (3rd right); Victor Pang, Convenor of the Action Group on Youth Festival of the Youth Development Commission (7th left), and Winnie So, Head of the Youth Link Committee (2nd right), officiate at the opening ceremony of youthfest@HK 2026.

Officiating guests at the launch ceremony included Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Clarence Leung, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Patrick Li, Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Kenneth Leung, Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission; Victor Pang, Convenor of the Action Group on Youth Festival of the Youth Development Commission, and Winnie So, Head of the Youth Link Committee.

Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (left) and Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang (right) tour booths at the opening ceremony of youthfest@HK 2026.

Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (left) and Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang (right) tour booths at the opening ceremony of youthfest@HK 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang said that the Club has always attached great importance to youth development. Through cross-sector collaboration and innovative thinking, it initiates and supports a wide range of projects that provide young people with diverse and equitable opportunities to develop their potential and contribute to society. He noted that the Club’s youth initiatives align closely with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the HKSAR Government’s Youth Development Blueprint, through a commitment to nurturing a new generation with both a strong sense of national identity and a global vision. This includes the Club’s support for the Strive and Rise Programme since 2022, helping students from underprivileged backgrounds broaden their horizons, build confidence and better plan for their futures.

Club Deputy Chairman Lester Huang delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of youthfest@HK 2026.

Each year, youthfest@HK brings together the Government, business sector, academia and the wider community to organise around 200 diverse activities, attracting approximately 200,000 participants. One of the key programmes in the previous edition was Youth Fest Youth Quest, which featured thematic sharing sessions and direct dialogue with Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. The programme encouraged young people to actively participate in public affairs and policy discussions, while fostering exchanges between youth and different sectors of the community to explore Hong Kong’s future development.

Youngsters perform at the 2026 youthfest@HK kick-off ceremony.

The Club actively supports youth development through a broad range of initiatives. In addition to youthfest@HK, it supports projects such as 21C@JC, which enhances services for young people in the digital age, and JC YUP, which provides personalised support during three key transition stages from education to employment. Last year, the Club also announced a HK$1.4 billion donation to support five youth development initiatives. These include the HYAB JC Scheme for Youth Life Planning, launched in partnership with HYAB, and the enhancement of facilities at Youth Square, including the establishment of the HYAB JC Y Cube, the venue of today’s launch ceremony. The upgraded facilities feature interactive spaces and audio-visual production amenities that enable young people to explore diverse pathways and prepare for the future.

Youngsters perform at the 2026 youthfest@HK kick-off ceremony.

The Club’s support for youthfest@HK, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Group photo.

Basketball icon Allen Iverson visited ELCHK Hung Hom Lutheran Primary School yesterday afternoon (16 September), where he met 30 local students of the Rising Stars 3×3 Basketball Development in Primary Schools Programme under the Jockey Club Believe & Bounce Basketball Programme: InspiringHK Dream Factory. Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by InspiringHK Sports Foundation (“IHKSports”), the three-year programme promotes participation in 3x3 basketball and supports students’ development through sports. The school visit was a special activity arranged by IHKSports to enrich participating students’ learning experience where Iverson provided mentorship and skills guidance, as well as shared personal stories of resilience with the students.

Allen Iverson and Mr. William Fong, Chairperson of IHKSports, interact with primary school students .

The vision of IHKSports is "Better Youths, through Sports". This activity exemplifies its commitment to promoting the physical development and character building of children and youth through basketball.

Allen Iverson receives a souvenir from participating students.

During the activity, 30 primary school students showcased their skills and teamwork under the guidance of the coaching team. Iverson observed the session and personally offered guidance and encouragement. In addition, Iverson took part in a sharing session, answered students’ questions, and discussed how to overcome adversity, maintain self-confidence, and pursue their dreams. The activity concluded with a group photo session, during which Iverson presented souvenirs, including a signed basketball, creating unforgettable memories for the students.

Allen Iverson speaks to a student about resilience, overcoming adversity.

Mr. William Fong, Chairperson of IHKSports, said: "Allen Iverson's basketball career is a powerful testament to the true strength of sport. It demonstrates the importance of resilience, hard work and confidence. His journey is built on constantly pushing his limits and never giving up. We hope this rare exchange opportunity will help young people appreciate that regardless of their starting point, perseverance can help them find their own path to success. IHKSports will continue to use sport to inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams and carry a proactive spirit into their studies and daily lives."

Allen Iverson receives a souvenir from Mr. William Fong & local artist Mr. Roy Cheng.

Sharing session and interactive Q&A featuring Allen Iverson.

Sharing session and interactive Q&A featuring Allen Iverson.

Event Highlights

• Training session under the Jockey Club Believe & Bounce Basketball Programme: InspiringHK Dream Factory - Rising Stars 3×3 Basketball Development in Primary Schools Programme

• Sharing session and interactive Q&A featuring Allen Iverson

• Group photo session and souvenir presentation ceremony

• Commemorative basketball signing session with Allen Iverson

Sharing Session by Hong Kong A1 Division basketball player, Mr. Anthony Groot Baltink.

Sharing Session by Hong Kong A1 Division basketball player, Mr. Anthony Groot Baltink.

This special activity not only offered students a rare opportunity to interact with a world-renowned basketball icon, but also sought to inspire the next generation through Iverson's personal story. By sharing his experiences, IHKSports hoped to encourage young people to pursue their aspirations with determination, overcome adversity, and build resilience both on and off the court.

Group photo.