Club funds a new leadership training base in Tai Tong Camp

10 March 2010

With the promotion of whole-person education on the increase and the Government introducing a new education system, there is an increase in demand for quality camp sites for outdoor learning activities.  Aware of this situation, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has donated over HK$30 million through its Charities Trust to Po Leung Kuk for the Phase III development of the Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp in Yuen Long.  The key feature of the project will be a new Leadership and Disciplinary Training Base where young people can learn self-care, social and leadership skills through a wide range of activities such as physical and adventure training.

Today (10 March), the Club's Executive Director, Charities, Legal & Corporate Secretariat, Douglas So, joined Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Raymond Young and Chairman of Po Leung Kuk, David Ho, to perform the ground-breaking ceremony.

Mr So told the guests that the Club attached great importance to nurturing young people's development.  Over the years, the Club had supported all-round training, education and counselling services offered by many different organisations.  It had also funded the establishment and enhancement of numerous recreational camps, providing a good training base for young people and encouraging the public to participate more in outdoor activities.

"We are delighted to support the Phase III development of Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp by turning the site into a Leadership and Disciplinary Training Base," Mr So commented.  "Through various facilities and activities, young people will be able to explore their potential and hone their self-discipline, social and leadership skills.  The development will also meet the increasing demand for camp facilities and create more job opportunities."

Located near Yuen Long, Tai Tong Camp was opened in 1994 with a gross area of 1.2 million square feet.  The Club contributed HK$43 million for its Phase I & II developments to build dormitories and various recreational facilities.  In 2005, the Club donated a further HK$7 million to enhance the ventilation system of the Recreation and Sports Pavilion and establish a challenge rope course.

This time, the Club is providing further funding of more than HK$30 million to support the Camp's Phase III development under which a new Leadership and Disciplinary Training Base will be built, including a three-storey, 196-bed hostel block with lecture halls, an assault course, a parade ground with flag podium, and camping and barbeque facilities.  The project is expected to be completed in 2012 and attract about 190,000 camper trips a year.  Since 1947, the Club has been a keen supporter of Po Leung Kuk and donated more than HK$80 million to the Tai Tong Camp.

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.