ENG-2010 — Page 490

412 | Recreation, Sport and the Arts

field trips and social programmes, attracting more than 900 participants including overseas delegates from 21 countries and cities, university and college students and local government officials. It provided a valuable platform for experts, researchers, practitioners and academics in their respective fields to share their thoughts and ideas on how best to deliver their services to the public.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong is a registered charity established in 1970. It is a member of Outward Bound International, the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education, operating in about 50 schools in more than 30 countries.

Outward Bound's mission is '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 is designed to foster confidence, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, creative thinking, problem-solving skills and social responsibility. The organisation uses experiential education in its training programme enabling participants to gain insights and skills that can be applied to work and real life situations. More than 8 000 people join the courses every year.

The three training bases at Sai Kung Tai Mong Tsai headquarters, Wong Wan Chau island base and the new ocean-going vessel Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong can accommodate up to 180 students. Training facilities such as sailing boats, kayaks, ropes course, rock wall and a jetty are regularly checked and maintained up to international standards to ensure training safety.

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Public courses are organised in Hong Kong as well as outside Hong Kong in Taiwan, Japan, Sabah, the Philippines, Nepal and along the Silk Road on the Mainland to cater to people of different ages and needs. There are two courses, subsidised by the Government's Continuing Education Fund, which are designed to strengthen employees' capabilities and their working relationships with colleagues. The courses help participants become more confident and capable in dealing with challenges at work.

In co-operation with schools, colleges, universities and various charitable organisations, Outward Bound continues to deliver school courses for students, teachers, social workers and many others. The courses help individuals to become caring and competent leaders who can make valuable contributions to society.

The organisation also conducts tailor-made courses for corporations and government departments in Hong Kong and in the Mainland.

Adventure Ship

Adventure Ship is a registered charity that operates a 34.5-metre sailing junk, called Jockey Club Huan which provides educational training and recreation at sea for young people. Launched in 1977, Adventure Ship is the first charitable programme of its kind in Hong Kong. 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.