ENG-2000 — Page 469

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

Hong Kong's disabled athletes achieved significant success in the Paralympic Games, also held in Sydney. They won eight gold, three silver and seven bronze medals; the best ever performance by a paralympic team from Hong Kong. In addition, team members set new world records in the men's races over 100, 200 and 400 metres.

Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China

The Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong was founded in 1949-50 and recognised as a National Olympic Committee in 1951. It changed to the present name of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, with effect from March 8, 1999, the federation being a member of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committees. The federation has been responsible for organising Hong Kong's participation. in all major games such as the Olympic, Asian, East Asian, Pacific and National Games. With a membership of 72 National Sports Associations (NSAs), it is the acknowledged voice of sport in Hong Kong.

Members of the SF and OC are NSAs, which are in turn affiliated to their International Federations (IF). 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 wide range of activities related to their sports, ranging from organising sport and recreation programme for beginners to elite athletes training; organising and sanctioning participation in local and overseas competitions and tournaments and the training of coaches and referees. They implement and enforce local and international rules and regulations, and represent Hong Kong in meetings of the IF concerned. Office-bearers elected biennially include the President, eight Vice- Presidents, the Honorary Secretary General, three Deputy Honorary Secretaries, and the Honorary Treasurer.

The elected officers of the SF and OC and the NSAs are volunteers with high standing and expertise in their respective fields of sport. They are also the cornerstones in safeguarding the autonomy of the NSAS and assuring the high quality of sport and recreation in Hong Kong.

In conjunction with the two former municipal councils and the new Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the federation has for many years co-ordinated a comprehensive month-long Festival of Sport, starting in February. It also organises extensive education programmes for sports leaders, administrators, coaches and technical officials free of charge, notably the Hong Kong Olympic Academy (HKOA) which offered free sport management and sport science courses and programmes to various NSAs with the support of the Unites States Olympic Academy and the Indiana University. These educational activities attracted participants from Hong Kong as well as other parts of the world, and have been highly commended by the International Olympic Committee for their comprehensiveness and excellent quality.

In support of the 3rd East Asian Games to be held in Osaka, in May 2001, Hong Kong hosted the 16th East Asian Games Association Council Meeting in October, with 11 countries or regions and a total of 47 delegates taking part.

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