Q&a / HKJC’s ‘Champions in the Valley’ celebrated HK elite athletes, from fencer Shawn Cheung to former cyclist and Olympic medallist Sarah Lee – Style chatted to rugby captain Max Woodward on race night
- Blend Hong Kong’s love of horse races with the city’s elite athletes and you get an event like the ‘Champions in the Valley’, hosted at Happy Valley racecourse by Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)
- Hong Kong’s National Rugby Sevens team captain Max Woodward shares his thoughts on the future of the city’s athletes and the highlights of the Hong Kong Sevens earlier in April
Before the FWD Champions Day on April 28 at Sha Tin racecourse, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) celebrated the city’s sporting achievements with a precursor to the main event.
Dubbed as the “Champions in the Valley”, the race night was a spectacular showcase that aimed to not only promote horse racing as an exciting sport, but also to honour the incredible accomplishments of Hong Kong’s very own athletes. Taking place at the Happy Valley racecourse, the event served as a festive gathering for sports enthusiasts to celebrate their shared passion.
There were around 60 elite athletes including esteemed Hong Kong fencer, Shawn Cheung Siu-lun, and former cyclist and Olympic medallist, Sarah Lee Wai-sze.
Adding to the roster was the captain of the Hong Kong National Rugby Sevens team, Max Woodward, who shared with Style his rugby highlights as well as hopes for future Hong Kong athletes.
What were some of your highlights as HK Rugby Sevens captain?
A massive highlight for me is having the privilege to be standing at the front of our team in the tunnel before the teams run out. I get a great view of the stadium from the tunnel. Hearing the noise of the stadium when you first run out is an amazing feeling.