ENG-1978 — Page 261

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Recreation and the Arts

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THE year 1978 saw an unprecedented demand for a diversity of leisure activities, rang- ing from outdoor recreation and sports to cultural events and entertainment. In a bid to satisfy this demand organisations such as the Urban Council, with its manifold interests in recreation and the arts, the Recreation and Sport Service and the Central Co-ordinating Committee for Youth Recreation extended their activities, organising thousands of events and providing facilities. Voluntary organisations also played their part in promoting recreational pursuits.

On the international sports scene, Hong Kong distinguished itself by winning six gold medals for lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games in Canada, and two silver and three bronze medals at the Asian Games in Bangkok. A Hong Kong rowing team captured a gold medal at the Nottingham International Regatta in the United Kingdom.

The year was one of achievement for Hong Kong's cultural life. The new Music Administrator's Office made substantial progress in introducing serious music to young people and the Hong Kong Arts Centre established itself as an important cultural centre. At the City Hall and throughout Hong Kong, the Urban Council continued to present a wealth of artistic talent while the sixth Hong Kong Arts Festival highlighted the fact that the festival is now recognised as a major event in the inter- national cultural calendar.

The Countryside

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Thousands of people of all ages hike across the hills and through the wooded valleys of Hong Kong every weekend. To cater for the increasing number of people who spend their leisure time outdoors, provision was made in early 1976 for the more important areas of countryside to be designated as country parks under the Country Parks Ordinance. The objective is to continue to open up more areas of countryside for the enjoyment of all while, at the same time, ensuring that both the countryside and wildlife are cared for and preserved.

Under the ordinance, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries is the Country Parks Authority and is responsible for the management of the country parks. Some 15 country parks covering an area of 360 square kilometres have been designated since the ordinance came into effect, and each park has its own set of management buildings and staff. During 1978, some four million people visited Hong Kong's country parks. Facilities provided at the parks include picnic sites with tables and benches, litter bins, children's play apparatus, and fireplaces for barbecues wherever it is safe.