The Hong Kong Jockey Club ("the Club") Today (21 Dec 2022) paid a courtesy call on Mr. Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("OCMFA"), and signed a Collaboration Agreement on "Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest and Related Activities" ("the Contest"), to enhance Hong Kong students' interest in international affairs, their senses of belonging towards the country and national identity.

Commissioner Liu highly valued the Club's unremitting support for the Contest, which has created a platform and provided good opportunities for Hong Kong teenagers to equip with a better understanding of the nation's diplomatic achievements. Commissioner Liu also encouraged the Club to give full play to its own strengths as an international racing club and world-class charity donor, and further facilitate the development in Hong Kong and the country.

Since 2009, the Club has sponsored the student winners of the Contest to join the Mainland study tour organized by OCMFA, and supported student winners to visit Mainland cities with an aim to promote their understanding of national development and diplomatic achievements. In 2022, more than 40,000 primary and secondary students from over 200 schools in Hong Kong enrolled in this year's 14th Contest, the highest record since its launch. It is encouraging that the Contest has gained wide recognition from society, and boosted local students' interest and knowledge on the nation's diplomacy.

 "With national pride at heart, the Club, as a constructive pillar of the community, has always strived to contribute to the development of Hong Kong in ways that are in line with national strategies and the country's expectations for Hong Kong. The Club will continue to nurture a new generation and equip them with global perspectives to contribute to the country and Hong Kong in future, as well as strive to tell the good stories of Hong Kong, especially the successful stories of its connection with the Mainland and international connectivity," said Club Chairman Michael Lee.

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 2021/22, the Club returned a total of HK$33.6 billion to the community. This included HK$27.0 billion to the Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$6.6 billion in approved charity donations.  The Club is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer and one of the city's major employers. Its Charities Trust is also 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.