TNAG-0735-FCO40-939-Policy-objective-for-the-developing-of-Hong-Kong-in-the-1980-1978 — Page 52

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a number of voluntary organisations have joined with the Recreation and Sport Service and the District Office, Tai Fo to establish a comprehensive water sports centre which will provide a wide range of facilities catering for all kinds of water sports. If funds can be made available soon,

all three centres should be ready for use within the next two to three years. At the same time, Government will encourage and support the establishment of more centres.

4.

Sir,

turning from facilities to activities, I

am glad that Mr. Cheong-leen has mentioned the Summer Youth Programme in this debate. This is particularly timely

because the programme has just celebrated its 10th anniversary

and has proved to be a 'growing' success, with its contents

becoming richer and more diverse every year. This year, over 8,000 separate events were organised with the help of an army

of nearly 50,000 volunteers, providing fun and enjoyment for over two million young participants. Although the Summer Youth Trogramme attracts much interest and publicity each year, I should like to assure Fr. Cheong-leen that it is not an isolated event but is the culmination of a continuing year-round programme. Both Government and voluntary agencies run recreational activities and programmes throughout the year, with special emphasis on weekends and public holidays, to enable both young and old to spend their leisure time joyfully and fruitfully. These regular activities are not normally widely puolicised as they have become very much a part of everyday life in Hong Kong.

15.