XN000022-1978-08-26 — Page 11

-

total of some 24 major public indoor sports buildings. With these facilities and the development of at least 250 hectares more public open space in urban areas, the opportunities for active recreation will be greatly enhanced.

The enjoyment of the countryside and Hong Kong's beaches has also developed strikingly. Formerly few ventured into the hills or even to the beaches, but by 1977 there were at least three million visits to our country parks and some 24 million to our beaches, The Country Parks Authority was only established in 1976,

yet by the end of this year the Authority hopes to complete its designation of

nearly half the total land surface of Hong Kong.

In 1968 the only places for public cultural performances were in the City Hall, Last year and this year have seen the establishment of the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Baptist College Academic Community Hall and the next five years will see the completion of the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Complex as well as cultural complexes in Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin. The Government is providing these facilities in response to a growing demand for and awareness of the arts, encouraged by the top quality performances in local festivals and increasingly by our own local orchestras and artists.

Hong Kong is based on hard work, sound management, imaginative investment, and an ability to place first things first. Long may this continue. But recreation and intelligent use of leisure have their part to play in our rapidly

evolving society. Because Hong Kong is so crowded and geographically so

restricted, it is necessary for the Government and the community to play a much more positive part than elsewhere providing, guiding, and planning for the

public's use of leisure. It is in meeting this new challenge that I seek your

further interest.

Today's conference programme will, I am sure, given you, as employers, a greater insight into what benefits can be derived both by management and the

work force from a concerted effort to promote a programme of recreation and

sports for people in employment.

I now have much pleasure in declaring the Conference open and wish you

all an enjoyable and rewarding day.