ENG-1986 — Page 307

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Recreation and The Arts

WHILE recognising the benefits of their industry, Hong Kong people are also aware of the need for leisure time activities.

With their shorter working hours and improved standard of living, they are able to take part in and enjoy an increasingly diverse range of recreational, sports and cultural activities. While large numbers take part in or watch the many sporting events that are regularly held, others may spend their time going to the countryside or the beaches at weekends or holidays.

A great deal of interest is also shown in cultural events, as Hong Kong develops into a leading centre in Southeast Asia, with several large new cultural venues having recently been opened or about to open. Thousands of events are now held throughout the year. These events range from traditional Cantonese opera and puppet shows to ballet perform- ances, theatre, and orchestral music.

Funds and facilities for these pursuits, as well as further training and coaching opportunities for young sportsmen and students of the arts, have been made available largely by the government, the Urban Council, the Regional Council, governing sports bodies, voluntary associations and many private organisations.

In the cultural area, the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts was officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent in February. The Academy, whose objects are to foster and provide for training, education and research in the performing arts and related technical fields offers unique facilities and opportunities for the multi-disciplinary and bi-cultural training in Chinese and Western music, drama, dance and related technical arts. The building was financed by a $300-million donation from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and its annual running costs are being met by the government.

Countryside

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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.

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 places, waymarked walks, shelters, toilets, and information and educational services. Road access is being improved to enable park staff to deal more effectively with fires and litter - the most serious problems created by visitors.

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About 9.4 million visits were made to the parks during the year. Although the parks are used more in the drier and cooler months, with October to April accounting for 65 per cent