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propose that the roles of the SDB and the OC should be merged. If the SDB continues to exist, then as Mr. WONG Man-chiu has just pointed out, it should play an advisory role and give advice on the allocation of resources. As regards such matters as administration, promotion of elite sports and training, they should be taken care of by the SF&OC.
Apart from the administration structure, the sports facilities too should be categorized as general sports facilities and elite sports facilities. In other words, after the merging of the two MCs, some territory-wide facilities can be converted to facilities for elite training, so that the OC can use them to train elite athletes throughout the territory. The facilities may need to be upgraded
but surely that can be accomplished. I don't see any difficulties.
Lastly, I would like to talk about the role of the Government. Mr. Li Wah-ming has just mentioned about the Stadium. In the redevelopment of the Stadium, the Government contributed $850 million through certain agencies. Together with our $170 million, it came to a total of $1 billion. Recently, the Government has contemplated redeveloping the Stadium. If so, the Government should carefully consider the requirement for at least two world-class venues well-equipped with tracks and sound facilities for holding any international events. If Southeast Kowloon is one of the sites being selected, we have yet to identify another site for the construction of a second venue. It is not infeasible for the Government to redevelop the Stadium. If it is considered that the location has commercial value, the redevelopment work could be entrusted to the developers through fair and open tender. But one condition is that the developer is required to construct two venues of international standards in Southeast Kowloon and West Kowloon, or in any district on Hong Kong Island. Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support Mr. WONG Man-chiu's motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese): Mr. PAO Ping-wing.
MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I am in support of Mr. WONG Man-chiu's motion. Just now Mr. Li Wah-ming said that he was of the view that Mr. Wong Man-chiu's motion was directed against the future development of the SDB. He even used the wording 'to scrap the SDB' in fathoming the implication of Mr. WONG's motion. Mr. Chairman, I would like to express my opinion on this point specifically.
Mr. Chairman, from Mr. WONG Man-chiu's motion and speech, I didn't notice such implication. In fact, his motion contained three points. Firstly, the sports venues and relevant facilities should be upgraded; secondly, a comprehensive policy on sports should be formulated in order to enhance the citizens' esteem for the culture of sports; and thirdly, sports talents should be developed. These three points have been clearly stated in his motion. At present, the PUC is the provider of sports-for-all training and major sports
Page 502 of 606
Page 502 of 606
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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
645
propose that the roles of the SDB and the OC should be merged. If the SDB continues to exist, then as Mr. WONG Man-chiu has just pointed out, it should polay an advisory role and give advice on the allocation of resources. As regards such matters as administration, promotion of elite sports and training, they should be taken care of by the SF&OC.
Apart from the administration structure, the sports facilities too should be categorized as general sports facilities and elite sports facilities. In other words, after the merging of the two MCs, some territory-wide facilities can be converted to facilities for elite training, so that the OC can use them to train elite athletes throughout the territory. The facilities may need to be upgraded
but surely that can be accomplished. I don't see any difficulties.
Lastly, I would like to talk about the role of the Government. Mr. Li Wah- ming has just mentioned about the Stadium. In the redevelopment of the Stadium, the Government contributed $850 million through certain agencies. Together with our $170 million, it came to a total of $1 billion. Recently, the Government has contemplated redeveloping the Stadium. If so, the 'Government should carefully consider the requirement for at least two world- class venues well-equipped with tracks and sound facilities for holding any international events. If Southeast Kowloon is one of the sites being selected, we have yet to identify another site for the construction of a second venue. It is not infeasible for the Government to redevelop the Stadium. If it is considered that the location has commercial value, the redevelopment work could be entrusted to the developers through fair and open tender. But one condition is that the developer is required to construct two venues of international standards in Southeast Kowloon and West Kowloon, or in any district on Hong Kong Island. Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support Mr. WONG Man-chiu's motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-Mr. PAO Ping-wing.
MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, I am in support of Mr. WONG Man-chiu's motion. Just now Mr. Lt Wah-ming said that he was of the view that Mr. Wong Man-chiu's motion was directed against the future development of the SDB. He even used the wording to scrap the SDB' in fathoming the implication of Mr. WONG's motion. Mr. Chairman, I would like to express my opinion on this point specifically.
Mr. Chairman, from Mr. WONG Man-chiu's motion and speech, I didn't notice such implication. In fact, his motion contained three points. Firstly, the sports venues and relevant facilities should be up-graded; secondly, a comprehensive policy on sports should be formulated in order to enhance the citizens' esteem for the culture of sports; and thirdly, sports talents should be developed. These three points have been clearly stated in his motion. At present, the PUC is the provider of sports-for-all training and major sports
Page 502 of 606
Page 502 of 606
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