ENG-1998 — Page 448

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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Centre in Eastern District, the Hong Ning Road Park (Phases I & II), the Sam Ka Tsuen Complex, Ping Shek Playground and Shun Lee Tsuen Recreation Ground in Kwun Tong District, and Ho Man Tin Recreation Ground in Kowloon City District. Air-conditioning was installed for eight indoor games halls in Quarry Bay, Sheung Wan, Shui Wo Street, Fa Yuen Street, Chai Wan, Shek Tong Tsui, Ngau Tau Kok and Po On Road in 1998, bringing to 30 the total number of indoor games halls with air-conditioning.

Provisional Regional Council Sports and Recreation Programmes and Facilities

To promote recreational and sports activities, the Provisional Regional Council organised a total of 7799 training courses, competitions and recreational programmes for 428 363 people of all ages and abilities in 1998. A total of $34.53 million was allocated for the organisation of a variety of programmes, including athletics, water sports, ball games, racket games, fitness, dance, tai chi, camping excursions, golf and lawn bowls. It also maintained close liaison with various local organisations in promoting recreational and sports activities in the nine New Territories districts. In all, 407 programmes were co-organised with local organisations and drew 62 379 participants.

Two main sports and leisure facilities were opened for public use during the year. They are the Shing Mun Valley Sportsground, which replaced the Yeung Uk Road Sportsground, and the Tsuen King Circuit Indoor Recreation Centre in Tsuen Wan.

For those interested in water sports, the main pool housed in the Shing Mun Valley Swimming Complex provides year-round access. Together with the existing pools Fanling, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, the new pool in Shing Mun Valley brought the total number of heated pools in the council area to five.

The Hung Shing Yeh Beach Building on Lamma Island now provides swimmers and visitors with additional amenities.

The Ma On Shan Park, which commands a good view of Tolo Harbour and Pat Sin Leng, entices visitors to take a peaceful stroll. A reptile house within Tuen Mun Park provides the public with an opportunity to understand wildlife and develop an appreciation for its preservation. It comprises a courtyard exhibition hall and five large display cases accommodating various local species of live reptiles.

Sports Subsidy Scheme

The Sports Subsidy Scheme was established in 1986. It provides financial assistance to promotional sporting events organised by bona fide sports associations and non-profit-making associations. In 1998, a subsidy of $10.8 million was granted to support 2930 sports events under this scheme and over 291 824 participants were attracted.

Venues

The council provides and manages 15 sportsgrounds, 17 swimming pool complexes, 34 indoor recreation centres, 126 tennis courts, 123 squash courts, two golf driving ranges and a public riding school.