ENG-1975 — Page 233

17

Recreation

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THE promotion of physical recreation and sport in Hong Kong took on fresh dimen- sions in 1975 through the activities of the new Recreation and Sport Service.

The service was set up in late 1974 on the recommendation of the Council for Recreation and Sport-which advises on the provision of facilities and services to meet the leisure time needs of young people.

The Recreation and Sport Service caters for all ages and all abilities, but there is particular emphasis on young people. The service is operated by the Education Department, and it is planning and organising physical recreation and sport activities on a district basis. During its first year, it established officers in six districts, and plans are now underway for other districts. The officers help the community to make full use of all sports facilities in their district. They work closely with relevant govern- ment departments, voluntary agencies, sports associations and youth groups.

The service has already made a great impact with a wide range of programmes including sports competitions, training athletic meets, excursions, camping, keep-fit programmes, and special activities for the handicapped and the aged.

Response from the public has been overwhelming. Some 130,000 people have taken part in 900 events promoted by the service. The majority of participants were aged between 12 and 24. It is estimated that 200,000 people will take part in pro- grammes organised or promoted by the service in 1976.

To ensure a ready supply of trained manpower to operate programmes, the service organised 60 courses for coaches, instructors, referees or leaders in its first 14 months. There are now 3,000 trained people available.

Swimming

With the majority of people in Hong Kong, swimming continues to be the most popular form of recreation—there being 37 beaches and eight swimming pool com- plexes. The first public complex in the New Territories was opened at Tsuen Wan in July. The pool complex, and the 25 beaches in the New Territories, are controlled by the Urban Services Department.

The Urban Council controls the beaches and seven pool complexes in the urban area, and these pools have become so popular that the number of swimmers admitted at any one time has had to be limited in the interests of hygiene and safety. Swimming classes have been expanded-more than 5,000 beginners attended the Urban Council's 'learn to swim' classes in 1975. The water safety campaign was again held to remind swimmers of the need to be careful.