ENG-1996 — Page 466

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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organisation of a variety of programmes, including athletics, water sports, ball games, racket games, fitness, dance, tai chi, camping excursions, golf and lawn bowls.

The council has subsidised national sports associations and non-profit-making organisations through the Sports Subsidy Scheme since 1986 to promote participation in recreation and sport. In 1996, subsidies amounting to $6.7 million were allocated to support 2737 projects, benefiting 242 749 people. It also maintained close liaison with various local organisations in promoting recreational and sports activities in the nine New Territories districts. In all, 281 programmes were co-organised with local organisations and drew 25 313 participants. One example is the joint venture with the Hong Kong Table Tennis Association to organise the 'Low Table Ping-Pong Development Scheme' to promote table tennis to children in the council area.

During the year, various sports development programmes such as golf, table tennis, lawn bowls, wushu, football, ballet, squash and walking were organised for 45 266 youths.

Venues

There are 14 sports grounds, 15 swimming pool complexes, 32 indoor recreation centres, 120 tennis courts and 118 squash courts in the council area.

The Tuen Mun Golf Centre has become very popular among the general public and about 67 000 participants have registered as card users since its opening in February 1995.

The council has three water sports centres (Chong Hing, Tai Mei Tuk and Wong Shek) and three holiday camps (Lady Maclehose Holiday Village, Sai Kung and Tso Kung Tam Outdoor Recreation Centres). During the year, 56 666 and 355 337 people visited the water sports centres and the holiday camps respectively.

Regional Council 10th Anniversary Programmes

The Regional Council 10th Anniversary Programmes organised in 1996-97 included a wide scope of cultural, recreational, sports, environmental health and entertainment programmes and activities for the participation and enjoyment of people of all ages.

With the theme 'Striving for the Best', the year-long festivities featured some 35 major programmes and over 100 district events held throughout the nine districts of the New Territories. The programmes also incorporated the biennial Regional Council Festival in 1996.

Through active public participation, the 10th Anniversary Programmes aimed at enhancing community support and awareness of the multi-faceted service and facilities provided by the council to ensure a fuller life and a healthier environment for residents.

Corporate Games

The Corporate Games, organised for the working population, attracted some 8 200 participants from 249 industrial and commercial organisations in 1996. The Masters Games, held specially for the age group 35 and above, attracted more than 1 200 participants.