HKJC Donates HK$134 Million for Five-Year Youth Basketball Programme
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has approved a record donation exceeding HK$134 million through its Charities Trust to fund a comprehensive five-year community basketball initiative aimed at nurturing youth development and building character. The programme, officially launched on September 7 alongside the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2026, is expected to benefit over 4,600 children and youth aged 6-16 across all 18 districts of Hong Kong. The initiative aligns with national strategies under the 15th Five-Year Plan and the Healthy China programme to promote sports participation and healthy living among young people .
Key Points
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved a donation exceeding HK$134 million for a five-year community basketball programme launched on September 7, 2026
- The programme targets over 4,600 children and youth aged 6-16 with nine-month structured training annually across all 18 districts, prioritising those with limited access to formal training due to economic or social factors
- Four local NGOs will jointly implement the programme: Hong Kong Children and Youth Association, Hong Kong Youth Association, Hong Kong Playground Association, and Chinese-YMCA
- The initiative will train approximately 450 coaches through a dual-certification programme developed with ALBA Berlin Basketball, providing both local credentials and overseas recognition
- Participants will engage in basketball training, physical fitness development, psycho-social health support, and personal growth activities, including mainland and overseas exchange opportunities
- Notable officials attending the launch included Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, Yao Foundation Founder Yao Ming, and ALBA Berlin Basketball President Dr Axel Schweitzer
Why It Matters
The programme establishes a sustainable basketball ecosystem in Hong Kong by simultaneously addressing facility upgrades, community-level programming, and professional coach development, creating pathways for youth beyond mere athletic skill to encompass character building and personal confidence . This initiative positions Hong Kong as a regional model for integrating national sports development goals with grassroots community engagement, potentially serving as a template for future public-private partnerships in youth development .
The programme establishes a sustainable basketball ecosystem in Hong Kong by simultaneously addressing facility upgrades, community-level programming, and professional coach development, creating pathways for youth beyond mere athletic skill to encompass character building and personal confidence . This initiative positions Hong Kong as a regional model for integrating national sports development goals with grassroots community engagement, potentially serving as a template for future public-private partnerships in youth development .