284
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
in the many leagues, tournaments and championships which are sponsored each year.
Nearly all forms of sport are practised in the Colony. From football and swimming with their usual large enthusiastic follow- ing to the lesser known archery and fencing, which are, however, making steady headway, the whole range of competitive sport finds its own loyal supporters.
Hong Kong has always had good courts and fields developed and maintained by private clubs. In addition, public facilities have, in the post-war period, been greatly improved; plans are in hand for increasing these amenities in keeping with the growing popular demand.
三
In athletics-1958 was noted for the number of visiting runners and officials who helped boost popular interest; in addition there was the Marathon Race for which entries were invited from Japan, Korea and the Philippines. The All-Malaya badminton team was entertained during the year and plans were made to send a team abroad to play in the Asian Zone of the Uber Cup. Many local basketball and volleyball competitions were held as well as-inter- national fixtures with neighbouring countries. Cycling began to find support among civilian clubs, which collaborated with the Services to promote the sport. Fencers achieved their ambition of entering a team for the Empire Games.
Footballers entertained several overseas teams, the most notable visit being that of the Blackpool Football Club. Miniature football is perhaps the game which continues to attract the greatest follow- ing among both players and spectators, and it is played wherever there is an open ground. Lawn bowlers also had a successful year, marked by the good showing of the Hong Kong team at the Empire Games.
Shooting was given a fillip when Hong Kong marksmen did well at the Asian Games. In swimming the opening of the Olympic pool at Victoria Park was marked by the highly successful visit of the Australian Empire Games men's team, and metric distances were introduced for the first time in local championships. Boxing experienced a strong revival under capable leadership and gave every promise of rapid development in the future. Archery like- wise had renewed activity and found new supporters.