The Hong Kong Jockey Club hosted the 18 Districts Cup today (25 March) at Sha Tin Racecourse to celebrate the collaborative efforts of its volunteering team with the Club’s community partners for the betterment of our society. Attending the celebration lunch were over 200 community leaders including Legislative Council members, District Councillors and District Officers.
 
Officiating at this year’s 18 Districts Cup were Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow, Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Under Secretary for Home Affairs Jack Chan Jick-chi, Member of the Legislative Council (Functional Constituency - District Council (First)) and Member of North District Council the Hon Lau Kwok-fan, Duty Chairman of 18 District Councils and Chairman of North District Council So Sai-chi, Duty Chairman of 18 District Councils and Chairman of Southern District Council Chu Ching-hong, Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the 18 Districts Councils, and representatives of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team.
                        
In his welcome remarks, Club Deputy Chairman Anthony W K Chow said, “As part of the community, the Club’s purpose is to act continuously for the betterment of our society. Through its integrated business model, the Club generates economic and social value for the Hong Kong community. Over the years, the Club has dedicated itself to connecting with the community and serving all 18 districts through a wide range of community services and charitable donations.”
 
The theme for this year’s 18 Districts Cup is “Care in the Community”. Mr Chow added that he was delighted to see the Club’s employees devoting their free time to volunteering and community service. “With an emphasis on district-based services, our volunteers have joined hands with many District Councillors here today in working for the community.” He said the Club would continue its collaboration with the 18 District Councils and work hand-in-hand with District Councillors for the betterment of our society.
 
The Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team was established in 2005 and now has over 1,300 members comprising employees of all ages, including staff members, retirees and graduate trainees, who actively participate in a wide range of charitable activities covering the elderly, youth, students, women, ethnic minorities, people with intellectual disabilities, and environmental protection. In 2017, the Team offered more than 400 community activities, spreading love and care to the needy.
 
The 18 Districts Cup, which was first held in 2008, was won today by John Moore-trained Agree, ridden by Tommy Berry.
 
 
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.