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Recreation and The Arts
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HONG KONG people today are able to take part in a richer and more diverse range of recreational activities in their leisure time than ever before. Practically every sporting activity has its share of devotees with better opportunities for participation, while the exodus to the countryside and beaches-at weekends and holiday times has been given greater impetus through shorter working hours and improved standards of living.
As a cultural leader in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong holds thousands of events throughout the year, ranging from traditional Cantonese opera and puppet shows to performances of ballet, theatre and orchestral music - often featuring internationally renowned performers. Funds and facilities for these pursuits, as well as further training and coaching opportunities for young sportsmen and women and students of the arts, have been made available largely by the government, the Urban Council, governing sports bodies, voluntary associations and many public and private organisations.
During 1984, steady progress continued to be made on the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts building which will become a major force in cultural life when completed in September 1985. The vast structure, located near the waterfront in Wan Chai, is being financed by a $300 million donation from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and a $70 million contribution from the government which will also meet annual running costs.
Under a Bill passed by the Legislative Council in June, the academy has been established as an independent organisation whose objects are to foster and provide for training, education and research in the performing arts and related technical fields. It is already operating from temporary premises.
Among the public entertainment highlights of 1984 was another spectacular harbour fireworks display held in February to mark the Lunar New Year. The display was presented by the Sun Hung Kai Bank and Securities Group in association with the Urban Council.
The Countryside
Countryside recreation is now an accepted part of the way of life for many people in Hong Kong. Country parks and woodlands on the urban fringes are used extensively by city dwellers for morning walking, shadow boxing and jogging, and by students for nature study, while more remote parks are used for hiking, picnicking, barbecuing, cycling, kite flying and camping by those seeking a relaxing change of pace. In 1984, nine million visits were made to the country parks. Although the parks are used more in the drier and cooler months, with October to April accounting for 65 per cent of the total visitors, increasing numbers of people now visit the countryside during the summer.
The country parks system, which covers 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area, is well established with a wide range of facilities to cater for the needs of all visitors.