Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of Racing with Rugby Celebration Dinner (English only)
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Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Martin Liao, Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), friends from the Hong Kong Football Club and Hong Kong China Rugby, distinguished guests, rugby legends, and friends of the game,
Good evening. It is my great honour to join you tonight for this Racing with Rugby Celebration Dinner, hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. My heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong China Rugby, and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) for making this wonderful event possible.
This is of course Hong Kong's Rugby Week - and tonight we bring together a vibrant programme that celebrates two of our city's most beloved sports: racing and rugby. On the rugby front, we kicked off with the prestigious HKFC 10s from April 14 to 16, which gathered international star players and set an amazing stage for the days ahead. Tonight's feature, the Hong Kong China Rugby Cup race, perfectly captures the competitive spirit of both sports. And no doubt that you all, like me, are eagerly looking forward to the Hong Kong Sevens that starts this Friday (April 17) at the magnificent Kai Tak Stadium.
Apart from being two of the greatest passions of Hong Kong, horse racing and rugby bring success on the international stage. They make our city proud, and attract tens of thousands of visitors from all around the world. Racing with Rugby offers a precious opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy these two world-class sports in a single celebration, reinforcing our position as Asia's events capital. The partnership between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong China Rugby, and the Hong Kong Football Club is more than just about sports - it is a testament to collaboration, innovation, and our shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong as a global sports destination.
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Hong Kong Jockey Club on the remarkable spectator turnout this season. The record-breaking attendance and growing number of visitors demonstrate the Club's exceptional ability to showcase Hong Kong's unique horse-racing culture on the world stage. Such achievement also underscores the appeal of our mega event line-up, which my colleagues and I will continue to develop and promote.
To all players, coaches, stakeholders, and sponsors - a big thank you for your unwavering support. You are the reason our events excite the fans and inspire the next generation.
Before I close, I wish the Hong Kong China Rugby Cup, Rugby Week, and the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens every success. May the tackles be fierce, the tries (Note) abundant, and the celebrations unforgettable. Thank you, and enjoy the evening.
Note: A try (達陣) is the primary method of scoring in rugby, achieved by grounding the ball on or behind the opponent's goal line.
Ends/Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:32
Issued at HKT 20:32
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