ENG-1968 — Page 317

RECREATION

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used the public swimming pools at Kowloon Tsai and Victoria Park, and the public bathing beaches are becoming increasingly crowded. Regular life saving services are provided by the Urban Services Department and, at the height of the season, teams from the St John Ambulance Brigade and the Hong Kong Life Guard Club also attend the swimming pools and the more popular beaches.

Initial planning was also begun this year on the first indoor stadium which is expected to be built in Hung Hom (Kowloon), with facilities for a wide range of indoor sports and entertainment and with accommodation for thousands of spectators.

Towards the end of the year, buildings were demolished and turf was laid on 18 acres of land in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, which had hitherto been occupied by the Military as part of Whitfield Barracks. A further eight acres will later be added to this site, where great care is being taken to preserve the trees and to develop it as one of the most attractive parks in the Colony.

There was an equally impressive expansion in the provision of playgrounds and sports fields for the people of the New Territories. Completion of the Tsuen Wan Sports Ground provided the New Territories with its first full-sized competition football pitch and, in addition, a 400-metre running track, two basketball courts, and two volleyball courts.

SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMME

▸ As part of the continuing campaign for closer contact between Government and people, Hong Kong this year mounted its biggest and most successful programme of summer recreational activities for young people.

Government officers and authorities, including the Education and Social Welfare Departments, the Urban Council, the Armed Services and the Police Force, co-operated with a large number of voluntary bodies and individuals in the programme.

An estimated 341,000 young people throughout the Colony took part in holiday camps, excursions, beach parties, dances, variety shows and competitions of all kinds. Many also participated in community service and vocational activities.