ENG-1972 — Page 239

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RECREATION

New Territories is now in hand; a heated pool complex in Kowloon is also being planned. During the year, 3,609,361 people used the pools, an increase of 1.7 million over the previous year's record of 1,909,091 people.

The Urban Council and the Urban Services Department played an important role in promoting, organising and presenting a series of varied and extensive public enter- tainment programmes to a wide audience throughout the year. Many public and pri- vate organisations gave material and financial assistance to making a great success of these programmes which have been strongly supported by ever-increasing numbers of the public.

There were two peak periods of activity in this field during the year. The summer entertainment programme lasted from early June until early September when pro- grammes were especially organised for schoolchildren and youths. The winter enter- tainment programme covered the Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year festive seasons with the inclusion of popular events such as 'Operation Kung Hei', large scale open-air folk/pop concerts, cycling competitions and go-karting competitions.

Chinese opera favoured more by older people, variety shows and film shows which are always well received, especially in resettlement estates by both young and old, swim-ins, beach parties, swimming parties at swimming pools and launch picnics were organised during the summer and proved to be very popular.

An open miniature-football competition was concluded and an open volleyball competition launched during the year. An Inter-Schools Chess (Chinese and Inter- national) Tournament was also held, and open-air band concerts, fun fairs, and roller- skating demonstrations, and many other kinds of entertainment were provided throughout Hong Kong.

A novelty item was introduced this year in the form of 'fun weeks'-twelve weeks of fun and gaiety-held in city and rural districts. The recreational needs of the younger generation were considered when planning these weekly programmes. Special emphasis was placed upon the need both to entertain and to involve young people in Hong Kong, particularly those living in resettlement estates. Some 700 functions were presented this year which were attended by over 630,000 people. Many of these func- tions of public entertainment were integrated into the Summer Recreation Programme.

Summer Recreation Programme

The fact that half the population is under 22 years old has stimulated a determined effort, by both government and voluntary agencies, to provide recreation facilities. Now in its fourth year, the Summer Recreation Programme has established itself as a permanent feature in the life of Hong Kong's young people. The programme is a large scale community effort involving many hundreds of youth and welfare voluntary agencies, schools, district groups, the Armed Forces and government departments. Although it provides a very wide range of interesting activities throughout the summer months, the main purpose is not so much to give young people a good time, but to develop potential qualities of leadership. It educates youth in civic responsibilities and