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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
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((2) Mr. Ronnie Wong Man-chiu moved the following motion:-'To tie in with the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong's (SF&OC) application for hosting the 2006 Asian Games, RESOLVED that the Council as a major provider of sports venues should study how to upgrade its venues and relevant facilities in order to strengthen Hong Kong's qualification for hosting international sports games, and, in parallel, should urge the Government to formulate a comprehensive policy on sports, in order to enhance the citizens' esteem for the culture of sports and to develop sports talents.'
He said (in English):—Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Please allow me to speak in English. I rise to move the motion standing in my name. Not long ago, I have moved a motion for the Council to support the hosting of international events in order to fully utilize our facilities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Members again for supporting that motion.
On 30 June 1999, the Legislative Council (LegCo) passed a motion moved by the Hon. For Tsun-ting to bid for the hosting of the 2006 Asian Games.
A survey done by one organization also reflects that over 70% of the public are in favour of hosting the Asian Games in Hong Kong.
From the beginning, the Central Government has had hesitation to endorse Mr. Fox's motion. They are reluctant to give green light to the SF&OC for the bid. The Government's main concern, I believe, is the huge financial commitment involving stadia construction, their operating costs and management expenses of these venues after the Games. The Government is uncertain about the actual economic viability of such a project.
I think the Central Government's worry is not necessary. It has no ideas about how many of the Municipal Councils (MCs) venues are available. How many of them are suitable for hosting international events. How capable and how professional Hong Kong sports promoters and administrators are in organizing international events such as the Asian Games.
I can tell you that, we have most of the sporting facilities for the smooth running of the Asian Games. However, some of the venues need to be modified and upgraded in order to cope with the requirement. Here are some examples to show how many sporting facilities the PUC and the ProRC operate. Altogether we have 74 indoor games halls, 470 badminton courts, 410 basketball courts, 30 handball courts, 45 soccer pitches for 11-a-side soccer and over 100 soccer pitches for 5 to 7-a-side soccer, 310 squash courts, 250 tennis courts, 260 volleyball courts, 32 swimming complexes, 25 sports grounds, etc. I can go on and on. In addition, we have the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, the Hong Kong Coliseum, the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, all of which can also be utilized to host Asian Games events.
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