ENG-1985 — Page 303

18

Recreation and The Arts

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HONG KONG people today are able to take part in a richer and more diverse range of recreational activities in their leisure time than ever before. Practically every sporting activity has its share of devotees with good opportunities for participation, while the exodus to the countryside and beaches at weekends and on holidays has been given greater impetus through shorter working hours and improved standards of living.

On the cultural side, Hong Kong is rapidly becoming a leading centre in Southeast Asia. Several large new cultural venues have or are about to open and interest and involve- ment is burgeoning. Hong Kong now holds thousands of events throughout the year, ranging from traditional Cantonese opera and puppet shows to performances of ballet, theatre and orchestral music - often featuring internationally renowned performers. Funds and facilities for these pursuits, as well as further training and coaching opportuni- ties for young sportsmen and students of the arts, have been made available largely by the government, the Urban Council, governing sports bodies, voluntary associations and many private organisations.

In September, the Academy Block of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts was formally opened by the Governor, Sir Edward Youde, and the teaching programmes which had been conducted in temporary accommodation were able to move to their permanent home. The building, which occupies a site on the Wan Chai waterfront, was financed by a $300 million donation from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club; its annual running costs are being met by the government.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, which operates under its own ordinance, has been established as an independent organisation whose objects are to foster and pro- vide for training, education and research in the performing arts and related technical fields. Among the public entertainment highlights of 1985 was another spectacular harbour fireworks display held in February to mark the Lunar New Year.

Countryside

Countryside recreation is an accepted part of the way of life for many people in Hong Kong. Country parks and woodlands on the urban fringes are used extensively by city dwellers for morning walking, shadow boxing and jogging, and by students for nature study, while more remote parks are used for hiking, picnicking, barbecuing, cycling, kite flying, orienteering and camping by those seeking a relaxing change of pace. In 1985, 9.3 million visits were made to the country parks. Although the parks are used more in the drier and cooler months, with October to April accounting for 65 per cent of the total visitors, increasing numbers of people now visit the countryside during the summer.

There are 21 country parks throughout Hong Kong, covering about 40 per cent of the land area. Within these country parks, recreational amenities include picnic and barbecue