ENG-1994 — Page 463

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

The courses are residential, with an average course length of 10 days. The programmes operate from three centres: a sail training ship, the brigantine Ji Fung, which regularly visits the Philippines; a base at Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung; and the Sir Murray MacLehose Training Base on an island in Double Haven, Mirs Bay.

There has been significant demand for Outward Bound training from corporations and businesses which recognise that the courses are an effective team-building and training strategy for older adults, resulting in a continuous increase in the demand for 'team building', 'adult challenge' and special 'contract' courses.

In 1994, the school operated more than 150 courses for over 4000 trainees. New initiatives included an international course, in collaboration with the Kenya Outward Bound School; and two training voyages to the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia on the Ji Fung, in collaboration with the Sabah Outward Bound School.

A committee has been formed to explore the feasibility of operating courses in the People's Republic of China.

Financing is provided through tuition income and charitable donations which enable the participation of young people who are unable to afford the full course fee.

The operations base at Tai Mong Tsai underwent major renovations funded by a grant from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and plans are being developed to create an additional 36-bed, self-sustaining facility in Ah Kung Wan.

In October, Hong Kong hosted the Fifth International Outward Bound Conference.

Adventure Ship

The Adventure Ship Project has been operating in Hong Kong for 17 years. It is a registered charity which maintains a 27.5-metre Chinese sailing junk, Huan, providing nautical training trips for underprivileged and handicapped children. The project is mainly funded by the Community Chest and the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Limited.

Each year, over 6 000 young people from child and youth centres, institutions for the handicapped, outreach teams and schools benefit from these programmes.

The training programmes consist of day trips or overnight trips (up to three days and two nights). The vessel is equipped to accommodate 60 youngsters on day trips and 50 on overnight voyages.

'Disciplined Entertainment' is the main theme of the training. Once on board, participants are regarded as members of the crew and take part in the operational routines. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they are trained to face new challenges and participate in team-spirit building activities. The programmes have been devised to cope with various weather conditions and the special requirements of children of different aptitudes and backgrounds.

The Adventure Ship Project has created new horizons for many thousands of young people, enabling them to enrich their experience while discovering the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.

Youth Hostels

The Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association is a registered charity providing accommoda- tion and outdoor leisure opportunities for young people, in particular the 18 to 26 age group, although members may be of any age. The association has seven hostels in Hong Kong.

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