1988 — Page 83

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Article V

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Methods shall be sought to safeguard sport and sportsmen from exploitation for political, commercial or financial gain, and from practices that are abusive and debasing, including the unfair use of drugs.

Article VI

Since the scale of participation in sport is dependent, among other things, on the extent, the variety and the accessibility of facilities, the overall planning of facilities shall be accepted as a matter for public authorities shall take account of local, regional and national requirements, and shall incorporate measures designed to ensure full use of both new and existing facilities.

Article VII

Measures, including legislation where appropriate, shall be introduced to ensure access to open country and water for the purpose of recreation.

Article VIII

In any programme of sports development, the need for qualified personnel at all levels of administrative and technical management, leadership and coaching shall be recognized.

Madam Chairman, I support the motion.

(Mr. Peter C. K. CHAN arrived at 3.00 p.m.)

PETER C. K. CHAN (in English):- Madam Chairman, I shall keep my speech brief and would focus on what the future role of UC should play regarding the sports activities in Hong Kong.

So far, UC has made significant contribution towards the provision of sports facilities and activities for a wide cross-section of the community. I am not going to give details of these facilities and activities as it will take some time to read out the list. However, I would like to highlight that in 1987 alone, two new Sports Grounds, i.e. Kowloon Bay and Sham Shui Po, were opened to the public for sports activities. On the other hand, the UC has also actively pursued sports promotion programmes jointly with other sports organizations. I am sure the UC will continue to promote the public awareness of sports activities in Hong Kong and to provide the necessary sports facilities to meet the demand within its reach.

I have noted the proposed possible organizational changes in the Report. Regardless of whatever changes that may be, UC's involvement in sports activities must be strengthened. I have no doubt that positive steps for the promotion and organization of, and the provision of facilities for, sports activities should be taken by the UC in future for the benefit of the community in Hong Kong.

Madam Chairman, I support the motion.

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MR. RONNIE M. C. WONG (in Cantonese):-- Madam Chairman, the direction of sports development of a country or region mainly follows the political system it adopts, its values on sports and the importance of sports to the overall development of the country or region itself. I very much agree to the Report that sports administration system being practised in some west European or Commonwealth countries would be more suitably applied to Hong Kong. Most west European countries have their own way of sports administration. As for Hong Kong, I believe that sports autonomy and the foundation of the sports associations are of great importance to the future development of local sports. The voluntary sports associations, with their combined strength, can provide far more manpower and financial resources than the government. According to statistics, the money spent by voluntary sports associations of some west European countries in promoting sports development is 10 times more than that spent by their government in employing full-time and part-time staff. Under many circumstances, the strength of voluntary sports associations can be gradually accumulated if the government simply plays the role of a catalyst by offering support and encouragement in any appropriate and skilful way.

Sports autonomy is one of the main factors which bring into full play the strength of voluntary associations. Too many restrictions will constitute a great obstacle to sports development while dampening the enthusiasm of those who have been working hard in this direction. The authorities concerned always respect the spirit of sports autonomy, I appreciate this attitude very much. Of course, sports autonomy does not mean the organizations concerned can do whatever they want, instead they have to handle their business in accordance with some basic principles and regulations. For instance, every governing body of sports has their own constitution which, to a great extent, is under the control of the constitution of the international bodies. When it comes to those governing bodies of sports, the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (ASF & OC) is a name which should not be omitted. It is mentioned in the Report that it is surprising that the confederation and the Olympic Committee are not separate bodies. I do not agree with this point, as the local and British systems should not be mentioned in the same breath. Amalgamation of the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee is a very appropriate measure from the point of view of management and administrative efficiency as it would otherwise be a duplication of work. A rash separation would certainly give rise to a variety of opinions, conflicts of interest and a struggle for power. The ASF would try to get the support of as many member associations as possible as its bargaining chip, while the OC would make use of its affiliating status to the International Olympic Committee as a kind of tool. If it happens this way, the local sports scene would have a gloomy outlook.

It is recommended in the Report that the Olympic, Asian and Commonwealth Games should be dealt with separately. I have reservations about this point, as I am not clear whether these Games should be separately dealt with in terms of financial matters, administration or staff concerned. The financial affairs should