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.
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Allen Iverson and Mr. William Fong, Chairperson of IHKSports, interact with primary school students .
Allen Iverson receives a souvenir from participating students.
Allen Iverson speaks to a student about resilience, overcoming adversity.
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.
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.
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.
The Hong Kong, China Tennis Association (“HKCTA”) is proud to announce that The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“HKJC”) will be the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Tennis Season 2026-27, covering both the WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open and the ATP 250 Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. This marks the fifth consecutive season of HKJC support for “M” Mark events organised by the HKCTA.
Hong Kong Tennis Season Announces The Hong Kong Jockey Club as Official Community Partner.Image source:HKCTA
This season, the HKJC, through its Charities Trust, has committed nearly HK$3 million to support the Jockey Club Hong Kong Tennis Open Community Programme (“the programme”), which comprises a series of community engagement activities, including guided tours, beginner courses, workshops, fun days, a mentorship programme, and opportunities to experience the “M” Mark tournament in person. The programme aims to enable members of the community, particularly those from underprivileged groups, to experience the enjoyment and positive values of sport.
Hong Kong Tennis Season Announces The Hong Kong Jockey Club as Official Community Partner.Image source:HKCTA
The programme officially kicked off yesterday (1 November) with a special visit by Judy Murray, mother of Andy and Jamie Murray, respectively former men’s singles and doubles World No. 1 players. A leading advocate for grassroots tennis development, Judy has championed initiatives aimed at broadening access to the sport and empowering coaches to create positive and inclusive tennis experiences for young people.
Image source:HKCTA
Judy began her visit with a dedicated workshop for HKCTA coaches, including those involved in the primary school tennis initiative under the Jockey Club Tennis Serves Programme. During the session, she shared her expertise in junior player development, demonstrated a range of coaching activities and highlighted effective methods for making tennis engaging and enjoyable for children. The workshop equippedparticipating coaches with practical knowledge that can be applied to support grassroots tennis development in Hong Kong.
Image source:HKCTA
Liu Ka Wing, HKCTA coach and assistant coach for the workshop said, “It was a fruitful morning working with and learning from Judy. This workshop has been a valuable learning experience and a timely reminder that children learn best through imitation and play. Even for a simple forehand swing, a step-by-step approach is essential. Moving forward, I will put even more thought into designing lessons that help children learn progressively through games and activities.”
Image source:HKCTA
In the afternoon, Judy and the participating coaches visited Endeavourers Leung Lee Sau Yu Memorial Primary School, a participating school in the Jockey Club Tennis Serves Programme, where she conducted a children's tennis clinic while the coaches put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. About 40 students learned basic tennisskills and took part in a range of interactive drills and activities.
The school visit also featured a special sharing session between Judy and Cyndi Thompson, mother of local tennis talent Kai Thompson. Image source:HKCTA
The school visit also featured a special sharing session between Judy and Cyndi Thompson, mother of local tennis talent Kai Thompson. Joined by about 40 parents from the school, Judy and Cyndi reflected on the rewards and challenges of supporting their children on their sporting journeys, and exchanged their experiences with participating parents. They also highlighted the important role parents play in encouraging their children to pursue their dreams, whether in sport or life.
Judy(left) and Cyndi reflected on the rewards and challenges of supporting their children on their sporting journeys, and exchanged their experiences with participating parents. Image source:HKCTA
Cyndi Thompson said, “Our family has always maintained the same routine, regardless of whether Kai wins or loses. We are here to support him in pursuing his tennis dreams, and our focus has always been on his growth, enjoyment of the sport and development as a person. Results come and go, but the values he learns through tennis, such as discipline, resilience and respect, are what matter most. We couldn’t be prouder than when we see him putting on the Hong Kong colours and giving his best to compete for Hong Kong on the international stage.”
Image source:HKCTA
Speaking about the visit, Judy Murray said, “It is a pleasure to be back in Hong Kong and interact with such enthusiastic groups of coaches, parents and students. Back in Scotland, the weather often kept us indoor, which led me to create simple games for my sons. Over time, I realised these simple activities were incredibly effective in developing hand-eye and foot-eye coordination. I am therefore delighted to share my experiences with coaches and parents here, and to highlight the importance of making learning fun and engaging for children.”
Image source:HKCTA
The programme will provide more opportunities for close to 7,000 beneficiaries in the months ahead. Participants will have opportunities to attend tournaments and experience world-class tennis in person, while selected participants will also take part in guided tours, beginner courses, workshops and fun days.
Image source:HKCTA
The programme also includes a Mentorship Programme for tertiary students interested in pursuing careers in sports and event management. Participants will go behind the scenes to learn about the operations of major sporting events, receive relevant training, and serve as volunteers at the tournaments. Through this practical placement opportunity, the Mentorship Programme will provide participants with invaluable industryexperience while supporting the continued growth and development of Hong Kong's sports sector.
Image source:HKCTA
Michael Cheng, President of HKCTA, said, “We sincerely thank HKJC for its generous support in helping bring these tournaments closer to communities across Hong Kong. Through the Programme, we hope to spark a lasting interest in tennis among people of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring more individuals to embrace the sport and lead active, healthy lifestyles.”
Since 2016, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (“the Trust”) has supported HKCTA’s Jockey Club Tennis Rocks programme, which seeks to promote tennis among people of all ages and abilities. In 2025, the Trust further supported grassroots tennis development through the Jockey Club Tennis Serves Programme, which includes both school- and community-based tennis and pickleball initiatives aimed at encouraging students, older adults, and persons with special needs to adopt active and healthy lifestyles.
Image source:HKCTA
