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RECREATION
SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMME
One of Hong Kong's biggest community efforts, the organisation of summer activities for young people, continued to expand during the year. An estimated 750,000 young people-by far the biggest number so far-took part in the recreational and community projects organised throughout the summer months.
This year's expanded programme involved government depart- ments, schools, voluntary agencies business houses and more than 40,000 volunteer workers from all walks of life, all co-operating to make the summer a memorable and productive one for the youth of Hong Kong.
The programme included all forms of sporting activities, organised camping trips, variety shows, dances, art competitions and training
courses.
Increased emphasis was given this year to educational training and community service. Groups of young people visited old people's homes, formed work parties to renovate schools run by charitable bodies, helped in tree planting and took courses in community leadership. Other courses were provided in languages, commercial subjects and crafts of various kinds. Tours were arranged to show young people the workings of various industries and government departments.
ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS
The performing arts play an' important part in the cultural life of Hong Kong. The centre of these activities, which include con- certs, plays and operas both Western and Chinese, is the City Hall, which had another year of intensive and varied use in 1969.
The facilities at the City Hall include a 1,488-seat concert hall, an intimate 470-seat theatre, a museum, an art gallery and several halls and rooms for exhibitions, lectures and conferences. Both local performers and overseas artists are presented regularly in the two major auditoria. As a result, nearly every branch of music, drama and Chinese opera has flourished.
The City Art Gallery in the City Hall organises regular temporary exhibitions from its own collections and loan material. These