News

In celebration of the best-ever performance of Hong Kong athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), along with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), organised the Hong Kong, China’s Paris 2024 Olympic Team Celebration Raceday. The Raceday recognised the remarkable achievements of the athletes and presented over HK$17.6 million in cash incentives to outstanding athletes through the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Mr Chan Kwok-ki GBS IDSM JP, Chief Secretary for Administration; Mr Michael Lee JP, Chairman of the HKJC; Mr Timothy Fok GBM GBS JP, President of the SF&OC; Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI and Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges GBS JP, Chief Executive Officer of the HKJC. The Raceday saw a gathering of the sports community, coaches, athletes and the public to commemorate this milestone.

Hong Kong athletes achieved their record-breaking best at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, securing 2 gold and 2 bronze medals to rank 37^th on the medal tally. Cash incentives were awarded to eight athletes from five sports for their exceptional efforts. Mr Tang King-shing expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of Hong Kong athletes at the Olympic Games. Their indomitable spirit and relentless dedication have been incredibly inspiring. The HKSI sincerely thanks the Hong Kong Government, the HKJC, the SF&OC and the sports community for their unwavering support, and encouraged continued backing for Hong Kong athletes.

Mr Michael Lee JP extended his sincere congratulations to the athletes, saying “Your exceptional performance on this global stage once again underscored the excellent capabilities of our athletes. Your efforts in the competition not only showcased our city’s indomitable spirit to the world, but also filled all Hong Kong citizens with immense pride and honour. The Club will remain committed to supporting Hong Kong, China athletes to shine on the world sports stage through collaboration with different sectors of the community.”

Two fencers clinched gold medals, each receiving HK$6 million in cash incentives. Among them, Cheung Ka-long made history as the first Hong Kong athlete to successfully defend an Olympic gold medal. He remarked, “I am delighted to have retained my title. Winning a gold at the Olympics is a culmination of the efforts of past athletes. I am grateful for the support from all sectors of the society, including the Government and the HKJC, which greatly encourages all athletes”

Kong Man-wai said that the moment she won is still indescribable. She is grateful for the support of the Hong Kong people and believes the incentive awards scheme is a great encouragement to athletes.

Swimmer Siobhan Haughey earned two bronze medals in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle events, receiving a total of HK$3 million in cash incentives. She shared, “Feeling the support from the Hong Kong public in Paris deeply moves me. It is a great honour to represent Hong Kong. I always strive to do my best, and if my efforts can impact and inspire others, it is my honour.”

The HKSI and the HKJC announced in 2023 that through the three-year Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, cash incentives are provided to recognise Hong Kong outstanding athletes for their achievements at the Major Games. The Major Games covered by the Scheme include: the World University Games, the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the 14^th National Winter Games, the 15^th National Games and the 12^th National Games for Persons with Disabilities in 2025, etc.