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The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a strong supporter of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, launched in October last year and which aims to foster the personal development of secondary students from low-income families. The Club is a vice-chairperson of the Partners’ Board and is providing financial support. In addition, some of the Club’s employees have become volunteer mentors, sharing their expertise and experience with students.

Since January the Club has been organising visits to Club facilities to broaden students’ perspective and experience. Today (18 March) some students and their mentors visited the Equine Hospital at Sha Tin Racecourse. Students learned about the advanced medical equipment in the hospital and also how different positions in the hospital collaborate and improve the health and well-being of horses and ensures their safety during training and racing.

Joining today’s tour was HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki and Club Chairman Michael Lee, who spent time interacting with the students. Also in attendance was the Club’s Executive Director, Racing, Andrew Harding. Speaking afterwards, the students said they had really enjoyed the tour and learned a great deal about horses and horse welfare.

Club Chairman Michael Lee said he had very much enjoyed meeting the students and was very encouraged by their enthusiastic and positive response. It showed that any child can grow and develop if they have the right opportunity and the right encouragement. This is why Children and Youth Development is one of the focus areas of the Club’s Charities Trust. 

Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki said he was most grateful to the Club for its support for the Strive and Rise Programme and for arranging such inspirational visits for students. Through listening to the sharing of veterinary staff and communicating with their mentors, students can explore their own interests and open their minds to the many possibilities available to them.

To date, students on the Strive and Rise Programme have visited Tuen Mun Public Riding School and Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Club’s catering operations. Visits coming up include to the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, Happy Valley Clubhouse, and to the Racing Talent Training Centre, where they will be able to learn more about the diverse career paths available at the Club.

The Club’s support for the Strive and Rise Programme, like all of its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax and charity support for the community.