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Speech by CE at Hong Kong Jockey Club 130th Anniversary Cup race day (English only) (with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club 130th Anniversary Cup race day at the Sha Tin Racecourse today (January 10):

Simon, Stewards, distinguished guests, Government colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon.  It is a great pleasure to be here for today's 130th anniversary celebration of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

     Over the past 130 years, the Club has grown alongside Hong Kong, becoming a world-class organisation and, notably for Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Government, our largest benefactor. In 2013/14, the Jockey Club's tax and duty payments totalled HK$19.58 billion, which is a lot of horsepower.

     A not-for-profit organisation, the Jockey Club's mission is clear: to give back to the local community - a unique philosophy of "from the Community, for the Community". Its formal charity work began in the 1950s - a response to the pressing needs of post-war Hong Kong. Since then, it has devoted its annual surplus to charity and community initiatives. It's an extraordinary annual contribution, an average donation of more than HK$1.3 billion every year. That makes the Jockey Club among the largest charitable organisations in the world.

     The Club is also a staunch supporter of the government's commitment to building a caring, socially inclusive society. Poverty alleviation and youth and elderly care rank high on the policy agenda of our government. Nearly 60 per cent of recurrent government expenditure goes to education, health and social welfare. And the Jockey Club's contribution has made cross-sector partnership possible.

     The Club's vision extends to the pursuit of excellence in other areas as well. In 2008, for example, it helped Hong Kong play an active role in Beijing 2008 Olympics by staging the Olympic equestrian events. That won Hong Kong welcome and I should say deserving plaudits. Since then, the Club has established two equestrian teams, seizing the opportunities for developing more areas of excellence for Hong Kong.

     On behalf of the Government and the Club's many charitable and community beneficiaries, I would like to congratulate the Club on its achievements and contributions to society over the years.

     Under the Club's capable leadership, I'm confident that it will continue to play a critical role in our community. And in this New Year, I look forward, as always, to working with the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the benefit of all in Hong Kong.

     Thank you.

Ends/Saturday, January 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:00

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