TNAG-1728-FCO40-2441-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 153

1 request from general Support grant applicants. Many development items proposed by the applicants could not be fully supported. There is

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indisputable evidence for bigger demand but the provision of Government funding was getting out of line and was not catching up with the realities

of the situation.

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In the same deplorable situation are sports activities. Funds provided for sports in the 87-88 Financial fear were $9.9 million, while those for this year are $11 million. However, it must be noted that off the increased amount, $1 million will be spent on the Olympic Games this It is gratifying summer, so virtually there is no increase at all. It

cap

These

to hear that the Government has accepted recommendations to improve the administration and staff efficiency of sports organisations. bodies are also encouraged by the Government to draw up development plans in the promotion of sports. However, to carry out the proposed

administrative improvements these organisations will have to face increased costs and the need for more staff. In other words, they will need greater financial help from the Government to fund their activities and future

feending development, but under the present conditions where governments, remains stagnant, these sports bodies cannot possibly improve their administration and implement respective development plans without cutting back expenditures' on regular activities, not to mention inflation which is eating into their share of government fund. The shortfall of the funds in 1987-88 from the amounts requested by sports governing bodies is nearly $5.6 million. The estimated current shortfall will be well over

$12 million.

common

The prime movers of the sports activities usually are the voluntary organisations, which in turn seek financial help from the private sector for voluntary sponsors. Unlike the pressure groups which are so today the sports organisations have exerted little pressure on the Government for improving their situation. As a result, sport organisations are the neglected groups and their needs are often overlooked by the

Ironically, although Government.

Katthough

though the Government tends to overlook the financial e needs of these sports organisations, it nevertheless makes up for it in its enthusiasm for interfering with the usage of funds