The Hong Kong Jockey Club staged the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled 50th Anniversary Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse today (21 May) in celebration of local para-athletes and the Association’s five-decade milestone. Para-athletes, Government officials and leaders of sports associations joined the event, which featured the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled 50th Anniversary Cup race.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Kevin Yeung, said it was an honour to officiate at the race meeting to recognise the outstanding performance of para-athletes and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (HKSAPD). Mr Yeung said, “Under the leadership and support of the HKSAPD, Hong Kong’s athletes with disabilities have achieved outstanding results in international sports competitions. We also have athletes who gained the world number one rankings for badminton and boccia, scaling new heights by securing leading positions for Hong Kong’s sports sector on a global level.”
In his welcome remarks, Club Chairman Michael Lee, who is also Vice-President of the HKSAPD, praised the achievements of home-grown para-athletes at the Paralympic Games since Hong Kong first participated in 1972. Mr Lee added that the Club is a staunch supporter of sports: “Sports and culture is among the Club’s strategic focus areas. Over the years, the Club has been dedicated to promoting sports at elite and community levels. We seek to enable people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy sports.” The Club’s continuous support for local sports development reflects its strong commitment to acting continuously for the betterment of society, which is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which betting and lottery revenues are returned to the community in the form of tax payments and charitable donations.
HKSAPD Honorary President Dr York Chow said the event was of great significance to the HKSAPD and expressed his gratitude to the various sectors and stakeholders that had supported the Association. "As HKSAPD celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we will continue to uphold the spirit of ‘From Strength to Strength’ and develop para sports, as well as enhancing an inclusive society. We will proactively allocate more resources for the athletes to achieve distinguished results, and inject positive energy into society."
With the theme of “Passing the Torch for New Heights”, video highlights of para-athletes in action were screened during the raceday. Retired and active para-athletes including Wheelchair Fencing Paralympic Medalist Alison Yu, Paralympic Medalist So Wa-wai, Athletics – Visually Impaired Runner Li Chun-fai, Guide Runner Chan Fat-keung, Boccia Athlete Ho Yuen-kei, Table Tennis Paralympic Medalist Wong Pui-yi and Tenpin Bowling Athlete Chow Pui-kin also attended to share how they have pursued their goals.
The Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled 50th Anniversary Cup was won by Dream Winner for trainer Frankie Lor and jockey Vincent Ho. Other races on the day’s card were named for elite para-sports that have been developed outstandingly by the HKSAPD, as well as coaches and volunteers in honour of their contributions to para-sports.
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.
