ENG-1982 — Page 285

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Recreation and The Arts

In recent years, the people of Hong Kong have been able to take part in a richer and more diverse range of recreational activities in their leisure time than ever before. The reduction in working hours and improved standards of living have encouraged the weekend exodus to the beaches and the countryside; practically every sporting activity has its share of followers with better opportunities for participation; and interest in the arts continues to grow. Active encouragement in these pursuits is given by the government, the Urban Council and many public and private organisations, and 1982 saw some major developments in the provision of facilities.

The Jubilee Sports Centre was opened in October after three years' construction and at a cost of over $150 million. A joint venture between the government and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, the centre will play a vital role in sports development in Hong Kong. Another joint project between the two bodies was announced in April with the plan to build an Academy for Performing Arts. The academy will provide Hong Kong with a tertiary training institute of international standard with a role in the performing arts parallel to that of the Jubilee Sports Centre in sports.

Construction progressed on the Hong Kong Coliseum (previously called the Hung Hom Indoor Stadium) which will be one of the finest indoor stadia in Asia, and on the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Centre. To provide more indoor amenities, particularly in areas where space is limited, the Urban Council continued its programme of developing local multi-purpose indoor games halls and district cultural centres.

While the Urban Council concentrates on the provision and management of facilities and the presentation of culture and entertainment programmes, the new but rapidly expanding Recreation and Culture Department organises community activities and training. Separate divisions within the department cover recreation and sport, the performing arts, and the Music Office.

In celebration of the Lunar New Year Festival, a spectacular fireworks display was held on January 25, 1982, in Victoria Harbour. Sponsored by Jardine Matheson and Company Limited and organised by the Hong Kong Tourist Association, it was one of the largest displays by international standards. Set against music and the harbour scene, the display provided considerable enjoyment to the public and overseas visitors to Hong Kong. In future, fireworks displays in the harbour will be a regular event at Lunar New Year.

The Countryside

Countryside recreation is now an accepted part of the way of life for many people in Hong Kong. Every morning, city dwellers walk to nearby woodland for physical exercise; every weekend and on public holidays people of all ages flock to the countryside for hiking, cycling, picnicking, barbecuing and camping. Evening outings are becoming popular and

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