How sport inspires inclusion, shared purpose and global solidarity
The synergy between sports and philanthropy took centre stage earlier this month at the two-day PBC (Philanthropy for Better Cities) Forum 2026, convened by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, in association with the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District. IoP was established by the Club and its Charities Trust in 2023, and is dedicated to promoting…
At the PBC 2026 forum in Hong Kong, Olympic athletes and philanthropy leaders gathered to discuss the role of sports in fostering inclusion, shared purpose, and global solidarity. Martin Liao, chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, emphasized the organization's leadership in philanthropy and PBC 2026's impact on cross-sector collaboration.
Yang Yang, a Chinese Winter Olympics gold medallist and World Anti-Doping Agency vice-president, shared how her philanthropic journey began after retiring from competition. She donated prize money to a fellow athlete's charity and later witnessed the positive effects of sports in Africa. Yang recognized that sports can serve as a tool for charity and social development.
Basketball icon Yao Ming, founder of the Yao Foundation, moderated the closing plenary session, "Passing the Torch: From Athletes to Future Changemakers". The session explored how philanthropy can inspire communities and transform lives.
The forum's theme, "Leaping for Impact," highlighted the role of philanthropy in addressing today's challenges through collaboration and complementary strengths. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trust also released its first-ever Impact Report, detailing its philanthropy since 1915 and its commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes through partnerships.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister and former administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Helen Clark, delivered a keynote speech on the need for philanthropy to take bold, strategic leaps forward in its leadership to face global uncertainties. She cited sports as an example of leadership philanthropy needs, emphasizing its focus on excellence, respect, and teamwork.
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