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Chapter 19
Recreation, Sport and the Arts
Hong Kong people are hard working by nature but they also know how to relax
and enjoy themselves through many different sports, cultural and recreational activities. A growing array of programmes and facilities enables people of all ages and abilities to participate and improve their quality of life.
Government policies on matters concerning sports, recreation, culture and heritage are co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Bureau. Organisations that help to draw up these policies include the Sports Commission and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited helps develop sports in Hong Kong with special emphasis on training athletes for high performance sports. The Government established the Sports Commission to advise on all matters relating to sports development. The commission oversees the Elite Sports, the Major Sports Events, and the Community Sports Committees which advise on different aspects of sporting activities.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), an executive arm of the Home Affairs Bureau, provides the community with services to preserve its cultural heritage, enhance its physical environment, and foster co-operative interaction between sports, cultural and community organisations.
During 2011, the LCSD organised several large-scale exhibitions, including the 'Centenary of China's 1911 Revolution', 'Albert Einstein' and 'Pixar: 25 Years of Animation'. It also organised cultural performances, ranging from music and dance to opera and sporting events.
The LCSD co-ordinates the provision of high 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 (DCs), the National Sports Associations (NSAs) under the auspices of the Sports Federation & Olympic