Jockey Club Extends Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme to Cover Major Events Through 2028, Including Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and LA Olympics

The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (12 August) announced the continuation of the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS), supporting its implementation by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to award cash incentives to Hong Kong, China athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances and pursuit of excellence. The scheme will cover seven major upcoming sporting events, including this year’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (12 August) announced the continuation of the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS), supporting its implementation by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to award cash incentives to Hong Kong, China athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances and pursuit of excellence.

Guests in attendance at the JCAIAS New Cycle Kick-off Ceremony, held at the HKSI, included George Tsoi, Commissioner for Sports of the HKSAR Government Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Tang King-shing, Chairman of the HKSI. Athletes in attendance included swimmer Siobhan Haughey, wushu athlete Hui Tak-yan; and Para table tennis athlete Pang Wing-ka.

Guests in attendance at the JCAIAS New Cycle Kick-off Ceremony, held at the HKSI.

Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, noted that the Club has long promoted sport at the community and elite levels. Its contributions range from partnering with the Government to establish the HKSI (formerly the Jubilee Sports Centre) and establishing a fund to support elite athletes’ training and career development, to jointly launching the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme with the Government in recent years to strengthen Hong Kong athletes’ competitiveness. The JCAIAS was launched to recognise Hong Kong, China athletes for their outstanding achievements at major sporting events. He added that the Club’s continued support for JCAIAS will provide a strong and reliable foundation for more local athletes to pursue excellence.

Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The Club will continue to sponsor the HKSI’s implementation of a new JCAIAS cycle from September 2026 to provide cash awards for local athletes who excel in events including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, World University Games, Winter World University Games and National Winter Games.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled to take place in September 2026, will be the first major sporting event under the new JCAIAS cycle. The Club will provide cash awards to members of the Hong Kong, China team who win gold, silver and bronze medals in individual and team events. Gold medallists in individual and team events will receive HK$1 million and HK$2 million, respectively.

Following this year’s Asian Games, the Club will also invite medallists to visit schools and share their inspiring journeys in pursuing their dreams. In addition, the Club will sponsor the HKSI to organise an open day, enabling members of the public to experience first-hand the appeal of elite sports.

Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme - Details of Cash Incentives:

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games (19 September to 4 October 2026)

Since the launch of JCAIS in 2023, the Club, through the HKSI, has awarded HK$94,668,750 in cash incentives to a total of 228 Hong Kong, China athletes in recognition of their outstanding achievements at major sporting events including the Paris Olympic Games, World University Games, Hangzhou Asian Games and the National Games co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao last year.

Addressing the younger athletes in attendance, Siobhan Haughey, who won a total of 4 gold, 1 silver and 7 bronze medals in swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou and the 15th National Games, shared the importance of focusing on the process rather than just results, while remaining humble. “I would encourage young athletes to appreciate the support they have around them, whether from coaches, teammates, family or anyone who has helped them grow,” she said.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (12 August) announced the continuation of the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS), supporting its implementation by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) to award cash incentives to Hong Kong, China athletes in recognition of their outstanding performances and pursuit of excellence.

Hui Tak-yan, who netted a full set of gold, silver and bronze medals in wushu across the Chengdu 2021 World University Games and the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, shared: “What makes the incentive scheme meaningful is not only the practical support it provides, but also the recognition it gives to the effort and dedication that athletes invest in their pursuit of excellence. Knowing that our commitment and perseverance are valued is a great encouragement to athletes.

Pang Wing-ka, a multiple medal winner in para table tennis at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, shared: “I have been fortunate to receive support from my National Sports Association, my university the HKJC and the HKSI throughout my journey, enabling me to pursue both my sporting and academic aspirations. I hope to one day pass on the encouragement and support I have received to others.”

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.