ENG-2003 — Page 502

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

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Ocean Park comprises two sections — the Headland and the Lowland connected by a 1.5-kilometre cable car system which offers spectacular panoramic views of the southern side of Hong Kong and the South China Sea. At the Headland, the park has many of its many thrill rides including the Abyss Turbo Drop, Mine Train, Dragon, Eagle, Crazy Galleon and Flying Swing. Complementing the rides is the Ocean Theatre where performances by dolphins and sea lions both entertain and educate visitors. Providing more enjoyment and education are the Atoll Reef Aquarium, Shark Aquarium, and the Pacific Pier that features California sea lions and harbour seals. At the park's Tai Shue Wan site, there is the entrance to the Middle Kingdom and a 225-metre outdoor escalator leading to the Headland.

A prime exhibit at the Lowland is the Goldfish Pagoda that has more than 100 goldfish of various species. It is located adjacent to the Giant Panda Habitat. Other major attractions include the Kid's World, a dedicated area for junior visitors and the Dolphin University where visitors are able to have a closer encounter with the park's dolphin families.

Ocean Park continues to provide new attractions for visitors. These include the Amazing Birds Show at the newly developed Amazon Birds Theatre, which has more than 18 colourful and rare species, and the Dinosaurs Now and Then exhibit showing the endangered Chinese alligator, salamander and Chinese sucker fish from the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River). Another new attraction is the Whiskers' Wild Ride, located near the cable car station at the Lowland, which provides a thrilling and innovative simulation ride with special multi-sensory elements.

Apart from the mechanical rides and marine mammal attractions, Ocean Park also presents special events during the year, such as the Halloween Bash, Summer Daze, Christmas Sensation, Chinese New Year programme and Easter Education Week.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong is a registered charity established in 1970. The Outward Bound organisation is the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education which, after some 60 years, is now operating more than 50 schools in over 30 countries.

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 people from all walks of life. Participants include executives, managers, professionals, civil servants, general staff, students and teachers as well as the underprivileged and people who need special attention. The training aims at fostering confidence, responsibility, independent and creative thinking, 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 learning activities and problem-solving situations, participants experience a series of physical, mental, social and emotional challenges. As a result of these real personal experiences and continuous reviews and reflection under trainers' guidance, participants are able to gain insights and learn skills that eventually can apply to work and real-life situations. Every year, more than 6 000 people join the courses.