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Correctional Services Staff Clubhouse opens
A new clubhouse for staff of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) was opened today (Wednesday).
Located next to the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, the new CSD Staff Club will provide a wide range of sport and recreational facilities for staff of all ranks and their families.
Work on the $28 million-clubhouse began in mid-1993. The cost was met purely by donations. The biggest single donation of $20 million was made by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club in 1992.
Representing the Jockey Club to officiate at the opening ceremony was a steward of the club, Mr Michael Thornhill.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Eric McCosh, described the Jockey Club's support for the project as "truly magnificent".
"I hesitate in using the description 'magnificent support' because even those words inadequately describe what has been made possible. What the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club gave turned a possibility into a reality," Mr McCosh said.
In addition to the donation from the Jockey Club, CSD held its first 17- kilometre Victoria - Stanley Run to raise funds among staff in 1991.
"The task of rising finance was daunting, but I truly believed that if we were to try and seek financial assistance from others we should first of all demonstrate that we were willing and able to help ourselves.
"Rather surprisingly everyone who participated, even though the run took place during the height of summer, survived the ordeal," Mr McCosh noted.
Financial support for the construction of the clubhouse also came from the community.