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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
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Council has also organized 5 fun days. In 1997/98, the Council will continue to promote these activities and it is expected that 156 gateball and 12 golf activities will be organized.
The fourth part of the question enquires whether the Council has any plans to design any specific venues for the use of inline skating enthusiasts.
For the time being, the Council does not have any venues specifically designed for inline skating. But there are roller-skating rinks in some parks and playgrounds for the common use of inline skating and roller skating enthusiasts. When necessary, inline skating enthusiasts may also apply to use the whole hard surface pitch for practice. In addition, the Department will consult the relevant governing bodies of sports on the proposal of designing specific venues for inline skating as well as study its feasibility.
MS. GRACE AU YUK-HAR (in Cantonese): I have two follow-up questions. The first one concerns beach volleyball. Had any citizens played beach volleyball at our beaches without the prior approval of the Department? If so, what are the penalties involved?
Secondly, were there ever any groups or citizens making applications to this Council for holding such activities at our beaches?
I have some more follow-up questions on golf or gateball as well. First of all, I want to know whether the targets for promotion of these sports are mainly the elderly? Secondly, are additional facilities required if we conduct such activities in our indoor venues? Have we taken into account the resources required for such facilities?
Lastly, when the Department promotes gateball or golf activities in indoor venues, has consideration been given to holding such activities at community centres or centres for the elderly? I wonder if the Department will try to explore this feasibility.
MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU (in Cantonese): Thank you for your supplementary questions, Ms. Au. I shall respond first to the promotion of gateball and golf. In fact, the targets of these activities are not restricted to one certain age group, although more elderly people take part in gateball.
The indoor games halls and activity centres in districts are often used for gateball activities. As for golf, available venues are limited. We shall follow this up with the Department. If there is demand from members of the public, we can consider putting in additional facilities in our venues for the promotion of golf.
As for citizens playing volleyball on our beaches, a lot of complaints were received. At first, life guards and beach supervisors would advise people against playing such games. They only took action when advice was not
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