HKJC CEO Welcomes PBC 2026 Speakers at Sha Tin Racecourse Season Opener

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges,
hosted PBC 2026 forum speakers at a Welcome Luncheon at Sha Tin Racecourse today (6
September). The lunch brought together members of Hong Kong’s world-class racing and
philanthropy communities against a backdrop of the opening of the Club’s 2026/27 racing
season. PBC 2026 is convened by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in
association with the Institute of Philanthropy (“IoP”) and is due to take place in West
Kowloon Cultural District on 7 and 8 September.

Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges addresses guests at the PBC 2026 Welcome Luncheon.

Established in 2016, the PBC forum marks its fifth edition and 10th anniversary this year
– a decade of convening the global philanthropic community. Under the theme “Leaping
for Impact”, it convenes global leaders from the sports, philanthropic, academic, business,
social and government sectors. Drawing inspiration from the values of sport, the forum will
examine how qualities such as discipline, focus, resilience and teamwork can help drive
enduring and tangible social change.

Speakers for the plenary session “Expanding the Arena: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Pathways Beyond Sport”: Li Xiaopeng, four-time Olympic gymnastics gold medallist and Member, International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, and Ambassador, The Gymnastics Association of Hong Kong, China (left); and Yang Yang, China’s first Winter Olympic gold medallist, Vice President, The World Anti-Doping Agency, and Founder, Champion Foundation (right), pose for a photo at the PBC 2026 Welcome Luncheon.

Wang Zhenyao, Founding Dean of the China Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University (left); Wang Ming, Professor, School of Public Policy and Management and Founding Dean of the Institute for Philanthropy at Tsinghua University (right); and Jin Jinping, Associate Professor at Peking University Law School (centre), will be the speakers in the Impact Studio session, “Evolving Philanthropy Landscape in China: Corporate, Family, and Cross Border Giving in Practice”, at PBC 2026.

Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (centre) and members of the Club’s Board of Management toast the success of PBC 2026, which is due to take place on 7 and 8 September.

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.