Sports enrich people’s daily lives and national sports associations are essential in delivering high-quality programmes to the public. To enhance governance, operational capability and transparency within Hong Kong national sports associations (NSAs), The Hong Kong Jockey Club has approved a donation of over HK$31 million from its Charities Trust to support two key initiatives: the Jockey Club Capacity Building Programme for Sports Governance and the Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme. Additionally, the Club’s Security, Integrity and Information Security Division will provide sharing and training on global sports governance and integrity best practices through workshops, resource materials and online content.

To ensure the successful implementation of these two programmes, the Sports Governance and Integrity Alliance (SGIA) has been formed comprising the following key partners: the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Club, the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and the Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute (HKCGI).

A launch ceremony for the alliance and the two programmes took place today (28 August). Officiating guests included Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Kenneth Fok, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Vice President of Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Danny Woo, Commissioner of the ICAC; Moray Taylor-Smith, Executive Director, Security, Integrity and Information Security of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; David Simmonds, President of The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute; and Edgar Yang, Honorary Secretary General of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

Speaking at the ceremony, Moray Taylor-Smith, the Club’s Executive Director, Security, Integrity and Information Security, emphasised the shared commitment among partners to ensure that sports are clean, fair, inclusive, ethical, rules-based and accountable to stakeholders. Drawing on a long history of integrity management expertise in its racing operations, the Club is honoured to collaborate closely with Hong Kong national sports associations and share with them the tools, resources and knowledge required to uphold the highest standards of governance, he said. He added that through the Trust’s donation, the Club hopes to empower national sports associations to strengthen their governance.

The Jockey Club Capacity Building Programme for Sports Governance and Jockey Club HKCGI Sports Governance Programme will be run by the SF&OC and HKCGI, respectively, with support from both the Club and the ICAC. Below are the programmes’ key components:

·         Customised guidance and financial subsidy: The SF&OC will provide personalised guidance and organise seminars for NSAs and sport organisations, offering subsidies of up to HK$100,000 for each NSA to obtain professional legal, accounting and auditing services to enhance their sports governance and integrity protocols. The Club’s Security, Integrity and Information Security Division will also provide support in hosting seminars and workshops to enhance stakeholder understanding of best practices in sports governance and integrity, and outline global examples of these practices for stakeholders and NSAs.

·         Sports Corporate Governance Certificate: The HKCGI will develop and manage a localised certificate course in sports governance and integrity, based on the course created by The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. It aims to equip NSAs and sports organisations’ board members and executives with essential governance skills. The course will incorporate the Club’s existing racing ethics, integrity and sports governance practices, with a specific focus on anti-doping and standards-setting.

·         Certified Graduates Network: The HKCGI will form a network for graduates of the certificate course. These trained professionals could be deployed or recruited by NSAs and assist them in implementing codes of governance and sharing ideas and best practices through regular networking events.

·         Annual Integrity and Governance Symposiums: Jointly organised by the Club and HKCGI, these symposiums will engage international experts and foster networking and experience-sharing opportunities. This initiative will also showcase the Club’s thought leadership and its rich expertise and experience in integrity management in sports.

·         Collaboration with Governance Experts: Partnering with the ICAC, the programmes will focus on anti-bribery legislation and best practices to enhance integrity in sports governance.

The goal is for the two programmes to train 1,200 professionals in sports governance across all 85 NSAs recognised by the SF&OC, enhancing current expertise in the sector and ensuring best practices are integrated into the fabric of each NSA. Over the long term, the aim is to elevate operational standards and position Hong Kong as a leader in sports governance, fostering increased and sustainable investment in the sports sector.

The Club’s support for sports development and participation, like all its charity and community contributions, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

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 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.