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In support of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust has been pleased to donate HK$21 million. This has contributed to two student cohorts participating in the programme, helping them broaden their horizons, reinforce their self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life and set goals for the future.

In addition, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is also funding the programme’s first Hangzhou five-day study tour for over 80 students from the second cohort, enabling them to learn about Hangzhou’s cultural heritage and technological development and enhancing their understanding and pride in the nation.

To welcome the students to Hangzhou, a dinner was held today (12 August), attended by the HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Vice Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal Government Xu Weihua, the Club's Executive Director, Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam, and guests, including five Club mentors of the students.

The Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki thanked The Hong Kong Jockey Club for serving as Vice-chairperson of the Partners’ Board under the Strive and Rise Programme with great contributions and commitments made. They include the provision of funding support for programme implementation, the nomination of staff to be mentors, and the arrangement of distinctive group activities for mentees to broaden their horizons and enrich their knowledge.

Mr Chan added that Hong Kong athletes have shone through with outstanding performances at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year and the Paris Olympic Games this year. He was pleased to learn that Olympic-gold medal-winning Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong has joined the Hangzhou study tour to share with mentees of the Strive and Rise Programme her stories of endeavours and success. He encouraged the mentees to learn the Hong Kong spirit – the “strive-and-rise” and “never-give-up” spirit – of Hong Kong athletes and endeavour to achieve their goals. He expressed his confidence that they will give full play to their strengths and achieve their dreams.

The Club’s Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Raymond Tam said Youth Development is one of the Club’s charity priority areas. Over the years, the Club has launched many initiatives to encourage young people to become active citizens and to make a difference in society. It has also sought to cultivate their sense of cultural identity and their pride in the nation. With the Strive and Rise Programme being one of the HKSAR Government’s key youth initiatives, the Club is pleased to participate and to have supported this worthy cause since its inception.

He also noted that the technology, culture and sports development in Hangzhou is unique. It is therefore an excellent opportunity for Hong Kong’s young people to experience Chinese civilization, as well as witness the rapid development of the country's innovation and technology. This is why the Club is so pleased to sponsor this Hangzhou study tour.

During their five-day visit to Hangzhou, the students will explore the world-renowned West Lake, tour top-tier high-tech companies, visit museums, and experience different cultural and educational facilities. They will also visit the Hangzhou Asian Games Museum to gain a deeper insight into the behind-the-scenes preparation and support for the games. This includes the Club’s technical support for the equestrian events, for which it was recognised as an “Outstanding Contributor to the Hangzhou Asian Games" by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee.

The first cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme was launched in 2022. Through tripartite collaboration with the HKSAR Government, the business sector and the community, the programme aims to help secondary school students set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility.

As with the first cohort, the Club will not only be providing financial support but will be encouraging its employees, former recipients of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships and fellow practitioners in the sector to become volunteer mentors for the second cohort. Student participants will also be invited to visit the Club’s facilities, including Tai Kwun, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, the Equine Hospital and Tuen Mun Public Riding School.

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