ENG-2001 — Page 504

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

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and renovation of the Wong Wan Chau training base. The total capacity is now 174 participants.

Training facilities have been expanded to include the new Vertical Challenge Course and a Parachute Challenge, which are unique in Hong Kong. The brigantine Ji Fung has been retired after 20 years' service and a new replacement vessel is awaited.

Much effort has been devoted to developing programmes for students, teachers, principals and social workers in co-operation with schools, colleges and universities. The programmes help to create well-rounded individuals who can become community leaders and caring members of society.

A wide variety of tailor-made programmes are provided for corporations, government departments and special groups including the mentally and physically disabled, the socially deprived, youth at risk and former drug addicts. Other programmes include the Family Weekend Courses, Japan and Nepal Courses, as well as team-building and leadership programmes co-organised with the business sector.

Outward Bound Hong Kong continues to support the activities of Outward Bound China, which opened in 1999 in Guangzhou and can accommodate up to 48 trainees, by providing professional trainers and resources.

Adventure-Ship

Adventure-Ship is a registered charity that maintains the 27.5 metre sailing junk, the Huan, and provides nautical training programmes for underprivileged children and children with disablilities. Adventure-Ship is a member of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and is funded mainly by the Community Chest and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Each year, more than 6000 young people from children and youth centres, institutions for the disabled, outreach teams and schools benefit from the training programmes offered. The training consists of day or overnight trips (up to three days and two nights) within the waters of Hong Kong. The ship can accommodate 60 youngsters on day trips and 50 on overnight voyages.

Challenge through 'Disciplined Entertainment' is the main theme of training. Once on board, participants are regarded as members of the ship's crew and take part in the operational routines. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they are trained to face new challenges and participate in activities that build team spirit and self-confidence.

The training programmes have been devised to cope with various weather conditions and the special requirements of children of different aptitudes and backgrounds. Over the years, the Adventure-Ship project has created new horizons for many thousands of young people.

In 2001, Adventure-Ship began a new programme to build a replacement sail- training vessel. The new vessel will be a 131-foot three-masted sailing junk, with purpose-built facilities for crew members with disabilities. In addition, the new ship will have significantly reduced maintenance costs through the use of modern design. techniques and materials with a design life of at least 50 years.