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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
Basketball retains its popularity and twelve Basketball teams visited the Colony from Manila, Formosa, Vietnam and the U.S.A. The highlight was the visit of the Harlem- Globetrotters who have already established a large popular following apart from serious Basketball fans.
Public interest in racing as shown by attendance, totaliza- tor turn-over and sweepstakes has continued to be keen, and the new stands, opened for the first time in the 1955 season, have been the subject of favourable comment from visiting
race-goers.
As was mentioned last year, Boxing has been revived and several very good meetings have already been held. Cards have been well arranged, and with the keen rivalry between local boxers and Servicemen there have been a number of excellent contests.
Lawn-Bowls, which in Hong Kong is virtually a major sport, continues to flourish. One interesting feature of the game as it is played in the Colony is that it attracts sportsmen of all ages, and is by no means regarded as a pursuit to which one gravitates from more active sports.
Thanks to a group of enthusiasts in the Services, Cycling has appeared in Hong Kong and it is already beginning to attract a number of local competitors. As most racing is done in the New Territories with its hilly terrain, cycle racing must now rank as one of Hong Kong's most strenous sports.
During the year a 'Round the Island' walk was added to such traditional local competitions as the annual Cross Harbour race. The 'Walkathon',
The 'Walkathon', as it is
as it is called, has attracted competitors of both sexes and of a variety of races, and seems well on its way to becoming a popular annual
event.
In line with world-wide developments there has been a marked increase in the popularity of water-skiing and under- water swimming, for both of which Hong Kong with its clear waters and sheltered bays offers excellent opportunities.