RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
everyday life but can't learn from books, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, team work, and decision-making. Special programmes are run for the handicapped, juvenile delinquents and socially-deprived, as well as employees of major corporations, various organisations, and the government.
The residential courses range from five to 18 days and operate from three bases: the brigantine Ji Fung, which regularly sails to the Philippines; the Tai Mong Tsai Training Base in Sai Kung; and the Sir Murray MacLehose Training Base on an island in Double Haven, Mirs Bay.
The Hong Kong Outward Bound School celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1995. The celebration was kicked off by the arrival of two new luggers which were built to meet the rigorous Offshore Racing Council safety standards for coastal cruising. They were the first of their kind in the world.
In close co-operation with the Japan Outward Bound Trust, Ji Fung took a total of 60 trainees for two sea voyages to Kagoshima, Japan. In May, Outward Bound launched its first training course in Qing Yuan, Guangdong Province, China. Two additional courses were conducted during the year.
To encourage more young people to get the benefits of Outward Bound training, the school worked with the Mass Transit Railway Corporation on a poster display inside the stations. Course information was also made more easily accessible to the general public. Apart from district offices, libraries, town halls, and sports/recreational centres, course leaflets can now be picked up from many of the youth/community centres and housing estates.
Adventure Ship
The Adventure Ship Project has operated in Hong Kong for 18 years. It is a registered charity which maintains a 27.5-metre Chinese sailing junk, Huan, providing nautical training trips for underprivileged and handicapped children. The project is mainly funded by the Community Chest and the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Limited.
Each year, more than 6 000 young people from child and youth centres, institutions for the handicapped, outreach teams and schools benefit from these programmes. The training programmes consist of day trips or overnight trips (up to three days and two nights). The vessel is equipped to accommodate 60 youngsters on day trips and 50 on overnight voyages.
'Disciplined Entertainment' is the main theme of the training. Once on board, participants are regarded as members of the crew and take part in the operational routines. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they are trained to face new challenges and participate in team-spirit building activities. The programmes have been devised to cope with various weather conditions and the special requirements of children of different aptitudes and backgrounds. The Adventure Ship Project has created new horizons for many thousands of young people, enabling them to enrich their experience while discovering the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association
The Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association is a non-profit making organisation incorporated in 1973 with a prime objective to help all, especially young people of limited means, to know, love and care for the countryside and places of interest, and
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