The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) congratulated young participants from the second cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme during a graduation ceremony held today (12 January) at the Kai Tak Arena in recognition of the students’ remarkable achievements, while also acknowledging the invaluable contributions of their mentors and supporting organisations.

The Club has been a staunch supporter to the Strive and Rise Programme, launched by the HKSAR Government, since 2022, and has been serving as a vice-chairperson of the Partners’ Board chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration. The Club has provided donations; nominated Club employees as well as HKJC Scholars and Fellows to act as mentors; and organised group visits to the Club’s facilities.

Raymond Tam, the Club’s Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, expressed gratitude to the mentors for their dedication and support throughout the programme, which provided mentees with guidance in personal development and financial support. Tam pointed out that the Club’s purpose is to act continuously for the betterment of society. The Club supports youth development and has been committed to initiating and supporting different projects that enable young people to achieve their full potential as active members of society, he added.

The programme, in its second cohort, empowered around 4,000 youngsters from underprivileged families by reinforcing their self-confidence and fostering a positive outlook on life. One of its activities was a Club-sponsored five-day study tour to Hangzhou last summer for over 80 mentees. Esteemed guests including HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, and Vice-Mayor of Hangzhou Municipal Government Xu Weihua joined the tour and offered their encouragement to the participants.

The tour gave mentees an opportunity to visit leading high-tech companies and museums, and experience various cultural and educational facilities. Mentees gave positive feedback on the tour, saying it helped broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of Chinese history and culture.

For the upcoming third cohort of the programme, the Club has nominated 47 employees and JC Scholars and Fellows to serve as volunteer mentors. The Club’s continued support for the Strive and Rise Programme 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.

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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 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 one of the world’s leading charity donors.