368 Recreation, Sport and the Arts
At the community level, the LCSD coordinates the provision of quality recreational and sports facilities and supports and organises training programmes and activities to promote community sports, identify sporting talent and raise sporting standards.
The LCSD also works closely with the District Councils, the National Sports Associations (NSAs) under the auspices of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, District Sports Associations and schools to promote the concept of 'Sport for All' and to encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to participate in sports and recreational activities.
The LCSD implements the Government's greening policy by carrying out an extensive programme involving the planting of trees in parks, playgrounds and roadsides. In addition, various educational and community greening activities are organised to strengthen public awareness of the importance of environmentally friendly living.
During the year, the LCSD organised various cultural and leisure programmes and opened indoor sports facilities and public swimming pools to the public free of charge to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The LCSD, has organised several large-scale exhibitions, some of which featured world acclaimed exhibits. It also organised cultural performances, ranging from music, dance to opera, as well as sporting events, all of which were well received by the public.
The Arts
It is the Government's policy to provide an environment that is conducive to freedom of expression and artistic creation and one that encourages free participation in all aspects of cultural life. The policy comprises four major elements: respect for creative freedom and expression; provision of opportunities for participation; encouragement for diversified and balanced development and provision of the necessary environment and conditions for the arts and culture to grow in Hong Kong.
Committees
Four committees were established in 2004 to advise the Secretary for Home Affairs on policies and strategies for the development of arts and culture. These are the Committee on Performing Arts, the Committee on Museums, the Committee on Libraries and the Advisory Committee on Cantonese Opera. The performing arts, museums and libraries committees base their plans for the development of cultural facilities and services on the Culture and Heritage Commission policy recommendations.
Apart from fostering community support and partnership with different sectors, the committees also seek to enhance public interest and understanding in the performing, visual and literary arts.