The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting a major initiative to strengthen school sports development across Hong Kong through the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, launched last year in partnership with The Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF). As the first HKSSF initiative to receive funding from the Trust, the programmes aim to support the continuous enhancement of inter-school sports competitions while improving the quality, accessibility and sustainability of school sports across Hong Kong.
Under the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, the Jockey Club Student Athlete Recognition Scheme - Laurel School Award 2025-2026 Presentation Ceremony was held today (13 July) at Diocesan Girls’ School. The Laurel School Award is one of the most prestigious honours in Hong Kong school sports, recognising schools that have demonstrated outstanding all-round performance across a wide range of sporting competitions.
Officiating guests at the award ceremony included May Chan, Permanent Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Bernard Chan, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Stella Lau, Honorary President (Life) of the HKSSF. Also attending were representatives of the HKSSF, school principals, teachers and student athletes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Bernard Chan said, "As a world-class sports organisation, the Jockey Club is a firm believer in youth development through sport. Through our Charities Trust we have donated close to HK$6.7 billion over the past decade to promote sports development at elite and community levels. Through the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, we hope to inspire more students to participate in sport, while ensuring that every young person, regardless of their school, district or background, has access to high-quality sporting opportunities."
In 2025, the Trust approved a donation of HK$70.3 million to support the five-year programme to strengthen inter-school competitions at both primary and secondary schools through enhanced competition standards, athlete recognition, volunteer development and sustainability initiatives. It is expected to benefit more than 340,000 students, provide training opportunities for over 1,400 students, teachers and parent volunteers, and attract over 540,000 attendances at programme-related events over the five-year period. The programme also aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's emphasis on talent cultivation, youth development, and the advancement of a strong sporting nation and healthy China.
The Club’s support for the Jockey Club School Sports Programmes, like all its charity and community donations, 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 sports and entertainment organisation 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 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 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.
