ENG-2008 — Page 444

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Chapter 19

Recreation, Sport and the Arts

Hong Kong people are hard working by nature but they also know how to relax and enjoy themselves through many different sports, cultural and other recreational activities. A growing array of programmes and facilities enables people of all ages and abilities to participate and improve their quality of life.

Government policies on matters concerning sport, recreation, culture and heritage are co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Bureau. Organisations that help to draw up these policies include the Hong Kong Sports Commission, the former Culture and Heritage Commission, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the Antiquities Advisory Board.

The Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited helps develop sports in Hong Kong with special emphasis on training athletes for high performance sports, while in January 2005 the Government established the Sports Commission to advise on all matters related to sports development. The commission oversees the Elite Sports Committee, the Major Sports Events Committee and the Community Sports Committee which give advice on different aspects of sporting activities. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), an executive arm of the Home Affairs Bureau, provides the community with services to preserve its cultural heritage, enhance its physical environment, and fosters co-operative interaction between sports, cultural and community organisations.

During the year, the LCSD organised several large-scale exhibitions, some of which won acclaim from around the world. It also organised cultural performances, ranging from music and dance to opera, as well as sporting events.

At the community level, the LCSD co-ordinates the provision of high quality recreational and sports facilities and supports and organises training programmes and activities to promote community sports, identify sporting talent and raise sporting standards.

The LCSD also works closely with the District Councils, the National Sports Associations (NSAs) under the auspices of the Sports Federation and Olympic