RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
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Young Athletes Training Scheme
With the assistance of the respective National Sports Associations, 635 activities were organised under the 'Young Athletes Training Scheme', which provided training in badminton, table-tennis, football, basketball and swimming at district level for more than 25 000 participants. Talented young players were referred to the relevant National Sports Associations for further training.
School Sports Programme
The School Sports Programme aims at enriching the life of young people, improving the quality of sports instruction given in schools and providing opportunities for young people to be involved continuously in sport. The programme covers all primary, secondary and special schools and comprises four constituent parts: Easy Sport Programme, Sport Education Programme, Sport Captain Programme and Outreach Coaching Programme. In 2001, the LCSD and the Education Department jointly organised 771 activities for 135 025 students. An advisory panel has been set up to seek advice from education experts. A close working relationship has been developed with schools and sports organisations in order to deliver the programme and provide resources and training to teachers, students, parents, volunteers and organisers taking part.
Community Sports Club Project
The Community Sports Club Project was implemented in partnership with the National Sports Associations. It aims to provide sport development opportunities for young players, enhancing the standard of sports at community level and promoting lifelong participation in sports. A new subsidy scheme was introduced in July to help Community Sports Clubs of the National Sports Associations to organise sports training programmes. During the year, about $0.44 million was spent on 52 community sports programmes which attracted more than 2 000 participants. Sports Subsidy Scheme
The LCSD continued to run the Sports Subsidy Scheme (SSS), which provides financial assistance to sports associations for organising sports events, training programmes and competitions. In 2001, the department spent $40 million on 5 904 sports programmes which attracted 550 000 participants. Among the most popular training programmes were the Youth Football Scheme, New Generation Table Tennis Training Courses, Youth Windsurfing Promotion Scheme and Youth Wushu Training Scheme.
During the year, National Sports Associations were given subsidies under the SSS to organise the 2001 FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball) World Grand Prix, the 3rd Regional Streetball Finals and FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. The hosting of these sporting events helped to reinforce Hong Kong's status as a leading centre for sport in Asia.
District Festivals Subsidy Scheme
Since April 1, the administration of the District Festivals Subsidy Scheme has been transferred from the LCSD to the Home Affairs Department. District Councils are now responsible for vetting and financing applications from district organisations intending to organise festive events.