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seats being reserved to the ASF and OC, which has made a tremendous contribution to the world of Hong Kong sports for many years.
I think the name 'Hong Kong Sports Council' would be more suitable in the Hong Kong environment, rather than 'Executive Council' as mentioned in the Report, especially since the Executive Council is normally understood to be the Governor's top advisory body.
Generally, I agree with the broader terms of reference for the proposed Sports Council but it must be made clear that there will be no reduction of the powers and responsibilities of the Urban Council or the Regional Council in their programmes for sports and recreation. The Sports Council should cooperate with, and be seen to be doing so, and not be in competition with the two municipal councils.
On page 90 of the Report it is proposed that:
'In furtherance of its objects the Council shall have the following powers: (a) to develop and improve the knowledge and practice of sport and physical recreation in the interests of social welfare and the enjoyment of leisure among the public at large in Hong Kong . . .'
The term 'social welfare' in Hong Kong has a more specific meaning as compared to the United Kingdom, and should be replaced by the term 'public welfare' or 'community welfare' or some similar term.
I agree with the report that a first priority of the new body should be the production of a territory-wide Sport and Recreation Plan and Strategy which would give a realistic estimate of what is required for the development of sport and recreation, so as to obtain the Government's total and long-term support and commitment on it. In financial terms, the aim should be to get more public funds to be ear-marked for the development of sports, both participative sports and elitist sports. Towards this end, the governing bodies of sports should be encouraged to prepare realistic long-term development plans. In the preparation of such a territory-wide Sport and Recreation Plan and Strategy, the two municipal councils must be closely involved and fully consulted.
I support the recommendation that a Sports House be established. This will confirm the Government's full commitment to the development of sports in Hong Kong. Whether a Sports House should be located in the urban area or in Sha Tin or anywhere else in the New Territories is a matter on which Government will have to consult the two municipal councils, the ASF & OC, and the various governing bodies on sports. The establishment of a Sports House should in no way reduce the funds to be used for sports activities.
As regards the recommendation to establish a Sport Sponsorship Advisory Service, a careful assessment will have to be made to what extent the service will be used by the sports bodies before funds are committed towards its establishment.
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I believe that the establishment of the proposed statutory body, which in the Hong Kong environment should be named "The Hong Kong Sports Council' should elicit from the Government a stronger and more long-term commitment, both in terms of financial and other resources, towards the positive development of sports in Hong Kong.
Sports development within the education system and increased support, financial and otherwise, for the various governing bodies and voluntary bodies on sports, should also be a top priority for the proposed Sports Council. The Report of the Working Party on Sports in Education which was commissioned by the Council for Recreation and Sport should be implemented wherever possible by Government.
The suggestion that a Sports Medical Centre be established to keep injuries and casualties to a minimum during the development and promotion of sports activities should also be studied by the proposed Sports Council.
I am sure we all will agree that as and when a ‘Hong Kong Sports Council' or in whatever name it will be known is established, it is essential that Government recognize that the Urban Council and the Regional Council must be fully consulted on all issues affecting the two municipal councils' interests in sports and recreation, and that they should not be obstructed or adversely affected in the proper exercise of their authority and functions.
Finally, may I commend to members' attention the principles for a Policy of Sport for all, as defined by the Conference of European Ministers responsible for Sport in Brussels (1975) under the title 'European Sport for All Charter'.
I would like to read the eight articles in this Charter so that they can be incorporated in the records of today's proceedings, since I believe they are very applicable to the sports environment in Hong Kong:
Article I
Every individual shall have the right to participate in sports.
Article II
Sport shall be encouraged as an important factor in human development and appropriate support shall be made available out of public funds.
Article III
Sport, being an aspect of socio-cultural development, shall be related at local, regional and national levels to other areas of policy-making and planning such as education, health, social service, town and country planning, conservation, the arts and leisure services.
Article IV
Each government shall foster permanent and effective co-operation between public authorities and voluntary organizations and shall encourage the establishment of national machinery for the development and co-ordination of sport for all.