National Games show 'One Country, Two Systems' in action, says Jockey Club chief

Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the National Games have become a unique platform to strengthen cooperation and integration across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, describing the Club as “honored” to support the event and contribute to the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems.”

The Jockey Club has committed more than HK$500 million to support competitions in both the Hong Kong and Guangdong zones, and serves as the sole partner for the Hong Kong segment.

In an interview with China Global Television Network, Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Games offer an important opportunity for the three regions to collaborate closely through sport.

Beyond financial support, the Club deployed volunteers to assist with operations at Hong Kong venues, providing services for athletes, guests, and spectators.

For the Guangdong competitions, the Club offered technical assistance for the equestrian events held in Shenzhen, including venue design, operations, and anti-doping procedures.

Engelbrecht-Bresges highlighted the Club’s emphasis on integrity in sports. Its world-class laboratory — considered one of the most advanced in the field — is supporting the National Games’ anti-doping program.

Entrusted by the General Administration of Sport’s Anti-Doping Center, the Jockey Club is responsible for testing urine and blood samples from competing horses to ensure no performance-enhancing substances were used.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the Games, Engelbrecht-Bresges said co-hosting the event required the three regions to work through various logistical challenges together, including work visas, cross-border transportation of testing samples, and coordination across jurisdictions.

Successfully overcoming these hurdles, he said, has been “encouraging” and demonstrates the practical benefits of deeper cooperation within the Greater Bay Area — and Hong Kong’s continued role under “One Country, Two Systems.”