RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
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A very popular programme provided opportunities for participants and school children to watch demonstrations by Hong Kong's world-class table tennis players. About 2000 participants were attracted.
With a view to promoting sports among students in the territory, the council, in conjunction with the New Territories School Sports Association, Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, Hong Kong Table Tennis Association and the Education Depart- ment, launched a youth sports training programme. This pilot programme comprised two phases teacher training and youth training. Over 100 teachers and 1 000 students from 50 schools in the New Territories took part in the programme.
With regard to the special needs of the disabled in sports, the council provided a total subsidy of $279,000 in 1993 to voluntary agencies to organise 105 sporting events for the physically and mentally handicapped.
A sports subsidy scheme has been in operation since 1986 to encourage sports associations to organise competitions, training courses and spectator events. During 1993, subsidies amounting to $3.75 million were allocated for 190 projects, benefiting 155 000 people. Training courses were organised for some 350 instructors in various sports.
As a catalyst to the promotion of sports and recreational events at the district level, a variety of programmes, including basic training courses, camping, excursions, competitions and fun days, were mounted in each of the nine districts in the council's area. In 1993, $12 million was allocated for the organisation of 5 380 district programmes which drew 245 000 participants.
Major Events and Festivals
Among the larger recreation events organised by the Regional Council in 1993 were the Corporate Games, Masters Games, Carnival for the Elderly, Kite-Flying Festival and Sand Sculpture Competition, which together attracted 15 000 participants.
The council also took an active part in promoting International Challenge Day 1993 and the Agricultural Carnival 1993 — two special events which were warmly received by the public. International Challenge Day, held on May 26, was a worldwide competition aimed at encouraging citizens of participating cities to take up regular fitness activities. Over 76 per cent of Hong Kong residents took part in some 500 events organised by the two municipal councils, or completed 15 minutes of physical exercise on the day. The overwhelming response helped Hong Kong beat Vancouver, its paired rival in the competition.
The Agricultural Carnival was held to revive the agricultural show last organised by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in 1972 at Sek Kong. The carnival was staged at Kwai Chung Sports Ground in December 1993 and January 1994 and was jointly presented with the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, the Vegetable Marketing Organisation and the Joint Federation of the Hong Kong Agricultural and Fisheries Production and Marketing Societies. Carnival attractions included com- petitions and exhibitions of prize livestock, horticultural products, fish and pets; displays and demonstrations of modern and high-tech farming practices; associated com- mercial activities; and entertainment programmes. A total of 300 000 people visited the carnival.