ENG-2003 — Page 503

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

The Tai Mong Tsai headquarters in Sai Kung and the Wong Wan Chau training base in Double Haven, Mirs Bay, have a total capacity of 174. Training facilities such as sailing boats, kayaks, ropes course, rock wall and a jetty are maintained to international standard to ensure training safety.

Public courses designed with different training objectives have been run for 30 years to serve people of different ages and needs. International courses covering the Mainland's 'Silk Road', Japan, Sabah and Nepal are also organised for those who wish to engage in cross-cultural experiences.

In cooperation with schools, universities and various charitable organisations, Outward Bound continues to deliver programmes for students, teachers, social workers and many others. Such programmes are gaining in popularity as they can contribute to the all-round development of individuals, helping to create motivated, caring and competent community leaders.

Two courses subsidised by the Government's Continuing Education Fund with the objective of strengthening employees' capabilities and developing their teamwork skills are provided for the public. The courses emphasise the development of important skills and attitudes that enable employees to deal with today's challenges, and to become more capable and better working partners.

A wide variety of customised programmes are also designed for groups from corporations, government departments and special groups including the mentally and physically disabled, the socially deprived, youth at risk and former drug addicts. These programmes aim at helping the physical, mental and social development of individuals.

Outward Bound Hong Kong continues to support the corporate programmes and activities of Outward Bound China, 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 disabilities. 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. In 2002, a Shore-based Reinforcement Programme was introduced to help children with special needs such as those with disabilities, newly arrived children and those from broken families -to consolidate what they learn from the

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