XN000022-1977-01-29 — Page 4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1977

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO OPEN SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE

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HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE ON FEBRUARY 7 THE SIXTH DAY OF HER VISIT TO HONG KONG.

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BUILT ON THE SITE OF A FORMER ARMY CAMP, THE CENTRE, COVERING AN AREA OF MORE THAN 25 ACRES, IS THE FIRST OUTDOOR HOLIDAY RESORT OF ITS KIND MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO BOTH THE ABLE-BODIED AND THE HANDICAPPED ON A LARGE SCALE. IT IS OPERATED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

AFTER UNVEILING A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE HER VISIT TO THE CENTRE, THE PRINCESS WILL SEE YOUNGSTERS TAKING PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CYCLING, TRADITIONAL CHINESE DANCING, ARCHERY AND ROPE WORK.

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL ALSO START AN ORIENTEERING RACE AND VISIT ONE OF THE COMFORTABLE AND BRIGHTLY-COLOURED DORMITORIES WHICH HAVE BEEN CONVERTED FROM NISSEN HUTS.

THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IS THE PROTOTYPE OF SIX OTHER RECREATION CENTRES THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD SOON.

AT PRESENT, THE CENTRE IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING ABOUT 200 CAMPERS. IT WILL BE EXPANDED LATER TO CATER FOR 400.

CAMPERS ONLY HAVE TO PAY $5 EACH FOR LODGING AND $4 FOR A MEAL AND FOR DAY CAMPERS, A NOMINAL FEE OF $1 EACH IS CHARGED.

IN ADDITION TO LARGE ROOMS FOR BOWLING, BILLIARDS AND SOCIAL GATHERING, THE CENTRE OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION. THESE INCLUDE A SWIMMING POOL, A ROLLER SKATING RINK, A BASKETBALL COURT AND A GAMES AREA FOR SMALL CHILDREN.

FREE COACHING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS SPORTS IS PROVIDED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.

A FEATURE OF THE CENTRE IS THAT ALL THE ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED BOTH FOR THE ABLE-BODIED AND THE HANDICAPPED.

A FIELD STUDY CENTRE WILL BE BUILT NEAR THE AREA SET ASIDE FOR ECOLOGICAL STUDY.

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