XV
SPORT
The early part of 1951 saw the recognition of the Amateur Sports Federation as the Olympic Committee of Hong Kong. Similar recognition was extended by the British Empire Games Federation.
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The local Federation gained strength throughout the year as more governing bodies of amateur sports associations sought affiliation. was quickly realized that advantages would accrue to such associations by concerted action and by pooling information.
Preliminary preparations were being made for a Hong Kong contingent to take part in the Helsinki Games to celebrate the XV Olympiad in 1952.
Many clubs and associations have private playing-fields, and the Children's Playground Association is bending its effort towards the improvement of such grounds as have been allotted to its control for the use of under-privileged children. It has been successful to the extent of possessing the best basket-ball stadium in the Colony, in Southorn Playground, which proves to be a good source of revenue for the maintenance of its social welfare work.
Without a modern stadium for football and athletics, a full-sized swimming pool and a covered stadium for indoor games--all of which Hong Kong lacks-development of sport is seriously handicapped. Inadequate seating accommodation forces such plans as are made to invite athletes of international standing to Hong Kong to be abandoned as there is no assurance that financial losses would not be incurred. When football games attract more than 14,000 people, and many thousand others have to be turned away, no further proof is needed that the time has arrived when such a problem has to be confronted and a solution found. The matter was being actively considered by Government, as well as being widely discussed in the Colony's sports circles, at the close of the year.
Association Football
This continues to be the most popular game in Hong Kong. It is played in schools as well as among clubs and the Services.
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