SPORT AND RECREATION
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Yachting and rowing continued to provide recreation and com- petition for their followers. Water-skiing became better organized as a sport and enlisted more devotees. Underwater swimming and its kindred pastimes also enjoyed an increasing measure of popu- larity. Golf had a good year in which several visitors displayed their skill and prowess to a growing number of local players whose own standard was fast improving. Walking competitions were held as usual, including the Walkathon which appears to have become an annual event of great popular interest. Weight-lifting, too, evoked keen interest amongst its relatively small following. Table tennis, for which Hong Kong in the past had a good reputation in a region renowned for its high standard of play, found new players of calibre. Hockey enthusiasts had the rare opportunity of seeing the world's two leading national teams in action in Hong Kong after the Asian Games, when both India and Pakistan engaged and soundly defeated the best local representative sides. Lawn tennis, had the good fortune of a visit by the Jack Kramer Group, the U. S. Davis Cup team and other notable players. The Junior All-Blacks rugby team also paid a highly successful visit to Hong Kong in March.
PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND OTHER AMENITIES
The management of parks, playgrounds and other similar amenities is one of the responsibilities of the Urban Council, working through the Urban Services Department. These amenities include the fine beaches on the south side of the Island, as well as the walks and look-outs on the hills above the Harbour. Apart from developing these natural attractions, the Urban Council devotes much attention to the provision of playgrounds and gardens and to carrying out other small projects designed to im- prove the appearance of the city.
The beaches are patronized by thousands from the city. From April to November, during the main bathing season, the more popular beaches are patrolled by the sixty seven life-guards of the Urban Services Department. The beaches are also cleaned and regulated by Urban Services staff. At two of the principal beaches a contractor provides changing tents for hire, while on certain other beaches sites for beach huts may be rented for five years