ENG-2002 — Page 493

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

walking schemes were the core programmes. In order to widely publicise the message of the campaign, a series of roving exhibitions was organised in recreational venues and shopping arcades. In 2002, over 90 000 people took part in some 1 800 programmes. In addition, 33 local sports stars were invited to be 'Healthy Exercise Ambassadors' and a total of 246 organisations had become signatories to the 'Active Living Charter'. Videotapes, video discs, leaflets, publications and television programmes were produced to further publicise the campaign to encourage citizens to engage in physical exercise whether at home, at school, at elderly centres or at workplaces.

Region-wide Events

The Corporate Games, aimed specially at the working population, attracted 11 133 participants from 226 industrial and commercial organisations in 17 activities. The Masters Games, held for the 35 and above age group, attracted about 2 100 participants in 10 competitions. The five region-wide Age Group Competitions, which aimed to encourage people of all ages to take part in sports activities, attracted over 35 300 participants. The Hong Kong International Kite Festival and the Hong Kong Sand Sculpture Carnival, which were well received by the public, attracted 12 860 and 2 025 participants, respectively.

Young Athletes Training Scheme

With the assistance of the respective National Sports Associations, 654 activities were organised under the 'Young Athletes Training Scheme', which provided training in badminton, table tennis, football, basketball and swimming at district level for more than 21 100 participants. Talented young players were referred to the relevant National Sports Associations for further training.

School Sports Programme

The School Sports Programme, implemented in 2001, aims at providing more opportunities for primary, secondary and special school students to participate in sports. The programme comprises four constituent parts: Easy Sport Programme, Sport Education Programme, Sport Captain Programme and Outreach Coaching Programme. In 2002, 3 076 sports activities were organised for over 320 000 students from more than 700 schools. An advisory panel has been set up to seek advice from education experts. A close working relationship has been developed with schools and sports organisations in order to deliver the programme and to encourage teachers, students and parents to take part in voluntary work in sport.

Community Sports Club Project

This project was implemented in partnership with the National Sports Associations. It aims to provide sports development opportunities for young players, enhance standards at community level and promote lifelong participation in sport. During the year, 133 community sports clubs joined the project. A total of $2 million was spent on 239 sports training programmes for 12 008 participants. Seminars and management development programmes were organised for 553 sports volunteers with a view to improving the administration of the clubs.

409