XN000022-1975-04-23 — Page 15

ROYAL VISIT

PRESS

RELEASE

Wednesday, April 23, 1975

DUKE TO SES TRAJNESS AT OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL

More Than 2,500 Have Taken Courses Since Opening In 1970

The Duke of Edinburgh, a graduate of Gordonstoun School where

physical challenge is incorporated into the curriculum as a means of developing character, will visit Hong Kong's Outward Bound School on

May 5 to see some of the trainees at work.

The first Outward Bound School was set up in 1941 at Aberdovey, Wales, following consultations between Lawrence Holt, head of the Blue

Funnel Line, and Dr. Kurt Hahn founder and headmaster of Gordonstoun.

Mr. Halt was disturbed at the disproportionate loss of life anong young seamen whose ships were sunk during World War II. A pattern had emerged which made plain that younger and physically better-equipped

seamen died on board, in the water, in lifeboats and rafts, while the

older, more experienced men lived.

From this it was reasoned that success in meeting a severe trial depended far more on attitude of mind than on brute physical prowess. Subsequent discussions between Mr. Holt and Dr. Hahn led to the organisation

of the first courses which became the model for all future Outward Bound

Schools everywhere.

Hong Kong's Outward Bound School, in ideal rugged terrain near

Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung, was opened in 1970, as a result of substantial

assistance mainly from the Hong Kong Government and the Royal Hong Kong

Jockey Club. Since then, 2,532 trainees have completed various courses

lasting from a. few days up to three weeks.

There are .*****