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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
In order to have more accurate and precise picture of which facility can host what event, the SF&OC is now conducting a survey with all the national sports associations (NSAs) to gather opinions and information from them concerning venue and facility requirement for each type of sport, type of modification and upgrading needed, their chances of winning medals in the future games, training requirements, their organizing experience in international events, the adequacy of their officials, etc. So far over 90% of the NSAs surveyed have indicated that the existing venues in Hong Kong managed by the two MCs are good enough to organize Asian Games events after upgrading and modification. Such a survey shall be completed before the end of this month. I hope by that time the Government and those persons who have shown reservation to the bid for the 2006 Asian Games will change their minds.
Of course the result of the SF&OC's report will be forwarded to the Government and the two MCs for their reference and further action, i.e. to upgrade our facilities accordingly, so that our venues can comply with international competition standards. We have 5 to 6 years to do the job, so I think this won't put any financial burden to the Council. After all, it's our annual routine job to continue upgrading and maintaining our venues.
In order to increase our chance of success in bidding for the Games, the Government's backing is important. However, what is more important is to have a good and sound foundation for the structure that is responsible for sports development. I think the existing Sports Development Board (SDB) structure need to be reviewed, from its organization structure, to its terms of reference and its role played in the promotion of sports. The SF&OC has submitted proposal to the Home Affairs Bureau for consideration. The proposal asked the SDB to have its role changed from an executive nature to the advisory side. Whereas the MCs will continue to manage all facilities and liaise closely with the SF&OC and NSAs for venue support, the SF&OC together with NSAs will take charge of the elite training. In this connexion, the Hong Kong Sports Institute should be under the management of the SF&OC. By the same token, the job of managing the Sports House where most of the NSAs are being housed should be given to the SF&OC. The reason is very simple, the SF&OC's office bearers are all elected by NSAs. Their contacts with NSAs are very close. Whatever they do, they need to be responsible to the NSAs. But SDB's members are not. Also the SF&OC and NSAs are the organizations that have all the professionals in the field of sports. There is no need for an additional organization to come between to unnecessarily increase administration cost, lengthen and complicate subsidy application procedures. The proposed structure is more simple, direct, sensible and responsible as far as spending of public money is concerned.
Mr. Chairman, with all these comments, I so move.
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