ENG-1969 — Page 290

17

Recreation

HONG KONG is a crowded and busy place where leisure is precious. Add to this the traditional Chinese enthusiasm for nature and the result is a community that appreciates its parks, gardens and playing fields more than most. From before sunrise on a typical morning in Hong Kong people of all ages can be seen out in the open air performing the slow, graceful routines of Tai Chi Chuan, a system of physical fitness derived from ancient Chinese martial arts but now practised almost exclusively for health reasons. Early morning strollers walk among them, often carrying a pet songbird out together with its cage for a breath of fresh air. Throughout the day playgrounds and pools are thronged with children. And not even the coming of dark brings a halt. The lights come on over football arenas, basketball pitches and swimming pools, while the less active gather at the mahjong tables, watch television or flock out to sample the almost endless variety of diversions Hong Kong offers for both rich and poor.

All of this activity goes on to the accompaniment of an energetic government programme to provide recreation facilities of all kinds. This effort has been gathering pace in recent years.

Hundreds of parks, playgrounds and sportsgrounds, a number of big swimming pool complexes and extensive beach facilities have already been completed and more are being built each month.

The Urban Council and the Urban Services Department expanded their public entertainment activities during the year. Cantonese operas, variety shows, film shows, swimming parties, 'pop' dances and band concerts were arranged, both in the urban areas and in the New Territories. Attendance at these functions exceeded 500,000. In drawing up the programme, particular emphasis was placed upon the needs of young people. Many activities were made available for youngsters living in resettlement estates.