Legislator seeks to transform MJC to world-class sports facility

During a recent plenary meeting, Leong Sun Iok, a member of the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL), spoke in favor of transforming the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) into an extensive sports and leisure destination.

Leong saw the MJC as a hub for a range of athletic events and pursuits, including football and cycling, in addition to embracing the culture of horse racing. The major goal is to assist Macau in becoming a “sports city” by enhancing sporting facilities and creating a destination that combines leisure and sports.

Leong emphasized the size of the MJC racecourse’s property and suggested making use of it to expand equestrian activities and other sports. The federal government, he said, should “make use of unused land to optimize existing sports venues and facilities, such as the Macau racecourse.” Leong believes that Macau might become a famous destination for sports and leisure if a variety of sports and leisure activities were combined inside the MJC grounds.

It should be mentioned that Leong’s proposal is being made at a period of financial hardship for the Macau Jockey Club. The organization has suggested reducing the prize money it offers to trainers and jockeys because of financial difficulties. People who were hurt by this choice demonstrated and made strike threats. The idea to lower the reward money was withdrawn last week.

After being granted a new 24-year concession in 2018, the Macau Jockey Club has a number of important obligations, such as updating and upgrading its facilities and paying outstanding fees to the Macau Special Administrative Region. Notwithstanding the obstacles, Leong sees the MJC as a calculated chance to boost Macau’s sports industry and transform the racetrack into a multifaceted sports and entertainment hub.

Original story by: IAG