ENG-2004 — Page 524

454 | Recreation, Sport and the Arts

visitors are able to have a closer encounter with the dolphin families residing at Ocean Park.

The Amazon Birds Theatre showcases the Bird Show where more than 18 colorful and rare species of birds from all over the world perform to the delight of thousands of Park visitors. Dinosaurs Now and Then presents to visitors the endangered Chinese alligators, salamanders and Chinese suckers. Through these living descendants of dinosaurs, the park inspires the support for the conservation of endangered wildlife animals.

Located near the cable car station of the lowland is the Whiskers' Wild Ride. This thrilling and innovative simulation ride with special multi-sensory elements represents a technical and artistic triumph for Ocean Park by being the first simulation ride film wholly designed and produced in Hong Kong.

In February 2004, Ocean Park launched the Dolphin Encounter programme, offering an opportunity for visitors to be in the water up close with a dolphin, and fostering better understanding of marine mammals, as well as in building general care and concern for the environment and conservation.

In addition to all the mechanical rides and marine mammal attractions, Ocean Park has been presenting several outstanding events every year for the enjoyment of all its visitors. Halloween Bash, for example, featuring mysterious and horrifying haunted attractions that brought excitement and scary fun to both local visitors and tourists. Other major events include Summer Daze, Christmas Sensation, Chinese New Year and Easter Education Week.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong is a registered charity and a member of Outward Bound International, the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education operating around 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. The training aims at fostering confidence, responsibility, independent and creative thinking, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving skills, interpersonal relationships and social responsibility.

Outward Bound uses experiential learning to run the training. As a result of real personal experiences in different challenging activities and problem-solving situations, and continuous reviews and reflection under trainers' facilitation, 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 benefit from this training.

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