This week, China s 15th National Games kicked off equestrian events at the Shenzhen Guangming International Equestrian Centre, marking the first time the Games span Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the competition is a flagship example of how sports can bridge regulatory and logistical gaps across the Greater Bay Area.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, presented awards on November 10 and outlined how the multi-region event is fostering deeper regional cohesion under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. He noted that coordinated efforts on work permits, cross-border logistics and integrity management ninclusive anti-doping and laboratory testing have set a new standard for institutional collaboration.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has invested HK$450 million (about US$58 million) in Hong Kong facilities and 50 million yuan (about US$6.9 million) in Guangdong, while providing technical expertise in venue design, operations and integrity oversight. This investment builds on projects like the Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou, which has created around 1,000 jobs and training opportunities for local residents. An international race there is slated for 2026 and will be broadcast in more than 20 markets.
Beyond infrastructure, Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasized sports' role in cultivating a "can-do" spirit among youth. "Sports teach discipline, focus and resilience," he said, highlighting how competition fosters continuous self-improvement and teamwork. These efforts aim to strengthen community health and shared identity across the Greater Bay Area.
As the National Games progress, the equestrian events are already proving to be a powerful unifying force, demonstrating how a shared passion for sport can drive sustainable regional development and social progress throughout the GBA.
Reference(s):
National Games advance GBA integration via sports collaboration
cgtn.com
