ENG-1999 — Page 449

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

and to encourage contributions from corporate sponsors, event promoters and advertising and public relations agencies to the development of sport in Hong Kong. The board also generated income from its own commercial activities, including catering services, the hire of facilities and the sale of sports club memberships. The total amount raised from these activities in 1998-99 was $28.22 million.

Sporting Achievements

Subsequent to their success in 1998, especially in the 13th Asian Games winning five gold, six silver and six bronze medals, Hong Kong SAR athletes recorded further notable achievements in 1999. These included winning a total of 183 gold, 109 silver and 107 bronze medals at various national, Asian and international championships.

Taking part for the first time in the 4th National City Games of the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong SAR delegation won a silver medal in athletics in the men's 100-metre sprint and a bronze medal in the men's 50-metre freestyle swimming competition.

The SAR's athletes achieved excellent results at the 7th Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled held in Bangkok, winning 29 gold, 19 silver and 18 bronze medals in archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, fencing, judo, shooting, power- lifting, swimming and table tennis. In the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in North Carolina, USA, Hong Kong athletes won 53 gold, 26 silver and 13 bronze medals in athletics, badminton, bowling, gymnastics, table tennis and swimming.

Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China

The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong was founded in 1949-50 and recognised as a National Olympic Committee in 1951. (The SF & OC was renamed the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, with effect from July 1, 1997). It has been responsible for organising Hong Kong's participation in all major events such as the Olympics, Asian, East Asian, East Pacific and National Games. It is a member of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committees. With a membership of 72 national sports associations, it is the acknowledged voice of sport in Hong Kong.

Members of the SF & OC are NSAs which are in turn affiliated to their international federations. They have the responsibility to develop and promote their specific sport and are managed by elected officers under either the limited company or registered society ordinances. They are empowered to co-ordinate and conduct a large range of activities related to their sport, such as organising sport and recreation programmes for beginners to elite athletes, organising and sanctioning participation in local and overseas competitions and tournaments and the training of coaches and referees. The activities also include implementing and enforcing local and international rules and regulations, and representing Hong Kong in meetings of the international federation concerned. Office-bearers are elected biennially. They include the President, eight Vice-Presidents, the Honorary Secretary, three Honorary Deputy Secretaries, the Honorary Treasurer, and the Assistant Honorary Treasurer.

The elected officers of the SF & OC and the NSAs are volunteers with high standing and expertise in the sport arena. They are the cornerstone in safeguarding

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