ENG-2001 — Page 503

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

behind-the-scenes tours. The park's research activities on marine mammals and artificial insemination produced the world's first successful births of Pacific bottlenose dolphins conceived through artificial insemination. The two healthy dolphin calves were born in May and June.

Ocean Park comprises two sections, the Headland and Lowland, connected by a 1.5-kilometre cable car system that offers spectacular, panoramic views of the southern side of Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea. Many thrill rides are located at the Headland, including the Dragon, Eagle, Crazy Galleon, Flying Swing, Mine Train, and the newly opened Abyss Turbo Drop. Complementing the rides is the Ocean Theatre where dolphins and sea lions entertain and educate visitors on the lives of these marine mammals each day through their lively performances. Providing more enjoyment and education are the Atoll Reef Aquarium, the Shark Aquarium and the Pacific Pier which features California sea lions and harbour seals. At Ocean Park's Tai Shue Wan site, there is the entrance to a bird aviary, the Middle Kingdom and a 225-metre outdoor escalator leading to the Headland.

At the Lowland, visitors can see the delightful An An and Jia Jia, a pair of giant pandas given to Hong Kong by the Central People's Government, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Giant Panda Habitat. Adjacent to this habitat is the Goldfish Pagoda, featuring more than 100 goldfish from a variety of species. Other attractions include the Film Fantasia and Kid's World, a special area for young visitors. Located besides Kid's World is the Dolphin University where visitors are able to experience a closer encounter with dolphins, and learn more about them.

Ocean Park strives to provide new and innovative attractions and entertainment for visitors such as the Saturday Night Carnivals during the summer of 2001, a Halloween event in October and special events at Christmas. Other attractions planned to open in 2002 include a re-themed Raging River and a new Ocean Park film for the Film Fantasia.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong (OBHK) is a registered charity and non-profit-making organisation established in 1970. It is also a member of Outward Bound International, the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education operating more than 50 schools in 30 countries for almost 60 years.

With a mission 'to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings', Outward Bound provides training for the general public, clients from school, colleges, universities, special organisations and the corporate sector. The training aims at fostering personal development, leadership, teamwork, problem- solving skills, interpersonal relationships and social responsibility.

Outward Bound uses the experiential learning model that is 'learning-by-doing' through the process of 'plan, do, review, apply'. The outdoors is the classroom, resembling the changing and unpredictable world. Through involving close-knit teams in different indoor and outdoor activities and problem-solving situations, participants experience a series of physical, mental, social and emotional challenges. Every year, more than 6 500 people join the training courses.

Continued support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has allowed for the construction of additional dormitories at the Tai Mong Tsai Headquarters

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