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The Strive and Rise Programme’s first Hangzhou study tour, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, neared its end with a closing dinner today (14 August). Chris Sun, HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Xu Junmin, Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hangzhou Municipal People's Government; Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Freely Cheng, Head of External Affairs, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and other guests, including five Club mentors, attended the dinner and engaged with participating students to understand what they learned during their tour.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun expressed his gratitude to the Club for supporting the first two student cohorts of the Strive and Rise Programme as well as the Hangzhou study tour, which helped broaden the students’ horizons and reinforce their self-confidence.  He also encouraged students to make good use of what they learnt during the visit, to develop a positive outlook on life and goals for their future.

The Club’s Head of External Affairs Freely Cheng, said the Club has supported and initiated various youth development projects over the years, aimed at providing more opportunities for upward mobility among young people. “During the study tour, students were able to experience the rich cultural vibrancy and academic ambience of Hangzhou and explore the latest developments in innovative technology, gaining insight and inspiration for their future career development,” he said. “Students also grasped the opportunity to interact with athletes in Hangzhou, enriching exchange and friendship between young people. All these experiences serve as a valuable asset for their future.”

During the first four days of their five-day tour, the students visited West Lake, top-tier high-tech companies and museums, and engaged with various cultural and educational institutions. They also toured the Hangzhou Asian Games Museum and Hangzhou Chenjinglun Sports School, where they gained deeper insight into the equestrian events of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and the Club’s extensive technical support for the events. Club Assistant External Affairs Manager Vivian Kong, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games’ women’s individual épée gold medallist, interacted and exchanged fencing techniques with students at the Sports School. Following the visit, she shared her journey as an athlete and expressed gratitude for the support of family and friends. She said she hopes different sectors of society will continue to support athletes and sports development for young people. The students will visit the Hangzhou International Expo Center, which served as the main venue for the G20 Hangzhou Summit, before returning to Hong Kong.

Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation is one of the strategic focus areas of the Club’s charity strategy. In support of the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, the Club and its Charities Trust has been pleased to donate HK$21 million. This has supported two student cohorts to participate in the programme, with the first cohort launched in 2022, helping the students to develop a positive outlook on life and set goals for their future through tripartite collaboration with the HKSAR Government, the business sector and the community. Apart from providing financial support, the Club also nominated over 40 employees, former recipients of the Club’s Scholarships and fellow practitioners in the sector to become volunteer mentors for the second cohort. Student participants are also invited to visit Club facilities, including Tai Kwun, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, the Equine Hospital and Tuen Mun Public Riding School.

In addition, the Club funded this first five-day Hangzhou study tour for over 80 students from the second cohort, enabling them to learn about Hangzhou’s cultural heritage and technological development, and enhance their understanding and pride in the nation.

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.