Speech by SCST at kick-off ceremony of Jockey Club Hoops Connect Community Basketball Programme (English only)
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Dear Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), Mr Yao Ming (Founder and Chairman of the YAO Foundation), Dr Axel Schweitzer (President and Owner of ALBA BERLIN Basketball), Mr Andreas Zagklis (Secretary-General of the International Basketball Federation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
Good afternoon and it is indeed my real pleasure to join you today for the kick-off of the Jockey Club Hoops Connect Community Basketball Programme.
As Winfried said, basketball is one of Hong Kong's most beloved sports, transcending age and district – from children picking up a ball for the first time to seniors staying active in our neighbourhood courts. The Hoops Connect Community Basketball Programme represents a model of international collaboration, blending best practices from around the world to enrich the lives of young people. ALBA BERLIN brings a European youth development system that is as committed to personal growth as it is to athletic skill, while the YAO Foundation has pioneered the use of basketball as a tool for holistic education across the Chinese Mainland - embracing the philosophy of "moving from teaching basketball to educating through basketball" (從「教籃球」到「通過籃球育人」).
I am delighted to see the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, and the Hong Kong Playground Association skilfully adapting these proven models into a curriculum tailored for Hong Kong. By integrating structured training, regular competitions, and activities focused on leadership and character building including camps and volunteer service, this programme ensures that we are not just teaching dribbling and shooting; we are building the character and resilience of our teenagers.
Equally commendable is the partnership between the Chinese YMCA and ALBA BERLIN to train the next generation of coaches. This kind of capacity building is exactly what will sustain basketball development in Hong Kong for years to come. I look forward to seeing this five-year programme generate strong synergies with other basketball initiatives across the community, inspiring even more young people to discover a lasting passion for the sport.
The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government remains steadfast in its commitment to sports development, guided by five key policy directions: promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism, and developing sports as an industry. In basketball, our Development Programme for Team Sports provides dedicated funding to strengthen the Hong Kong, China Basketball Team and its second-tier squad. Furthermore, from this month through December, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will stage six thematic sports days across the city, featuring basketball, football, and volleyball. This aligns closely with our country's national drive to elevate the "three major ball games" and encourage every citizen to participate.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous support. Last September, I had the pleasure of officiating at the launch of its Jockey Club Believe & Bounce Basketball Programme. Today, the Hoops Connect initiative carries that commitment forward and works hand in hand with the Government's continuous efforts to promote sports in the community.
Before I close, I invite everyone to stay tuned for the Asian Games, which will commence later this month. Some 580 Hong Kong, China athletes will compete in nearly 40 sports, including women's 5-on-5 and men's 3-on-3 basketball. Please do join me in cheering them on as they take to the international stage.
Congratulations once again on today's launch. May Hoops Connect truly live up to its name – may the hoop bring our youth together and nurture our next generation of basketball talent. Thank you.
Ends/Monday, September 7, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:38
Issued at HKT 17:38
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