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What is the relationship between Brazilian football and the unique Samba dance? Where did equestrian sports originate? Why do African children have their hair tied into little braids? Which nation invented the concept of¡§zero¡¨in mathematics?
From Greece to the six continents, the sailboat ¡§The Olympics¡¨at the Exhibition Gallery of the Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL) from Saturday (July 19) to August 19 will take children on an exciting cultural and sports voyage around the world.
A major highlight of the¡§Summer Reading Month 2008¡¨organised by the Hong Kong Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the fun-filled thematic exhibition ¡§A Cultural Voyage Around the World¡¨ presents different cultures by displaying peculiar features and buildings of the continents. Integrated with a sporting backdrop, the exhibition conveys the unity of the world¡¦s different cultures under the Olympic spirit.
To tie in with the Olympic Games in Beijing and Equestrian events in Hong Kong, the annual popular ¡§Summer Reading Month 2008¡¨ will bring children a variety of programmes on the theme of World Culture and Sports.
It features an array of interesting activities at various public libraries from July 19 to August 24, including Kendo demo, puppet and magic shows, erhu, handbell performances, paper-carving and origami workshops, seminars as well as thematic contests on¡§Olympic Spirit¡¨.
With colourful decorations and interesting games,¡§A Cultural Voyage Around the World¡¨ exhibition is divided into seven different zones of ¡§Ancient Asia", "North American Dream World",¡§Latin American Jungles¡¨,¡§African Grasslands¡¨, ¡§Oceania Farms¡¨,¡§European Piazzas¡¨and¡§International Sports Complex¡¨for children to explore and appreciate world cultures during an exciting journey, in which they can see how people on different continents play sports, celebrate festivals, entertain and lead their lives.
In the ¡§North American Dream World¡¨, children can see the history of Hollywood to realise the ¡§American Dream¡¨ cowboys and Native-Americans, the faces of American presidents on Mount Rushmore and ice hockey. These legends and images represent the North American pioneers and dream-seekers.
Colourful and exciting worlds of Samba and football will be exposed to children¡¦s eyes in the¡§Latin American Jungles". Children can walk into the ancient and mysterious worlds of the Mayans and the Incans, to learn more about the mystery of Latin American culture.
Across the Atlantic Ocean will be the ¡§African Grasslands¡¨. Visitors will be amazed by the interesting musical instruments made from materials found in nature, like wood and gourds, and they will be awestruck by the incredible Ethiopian athletes who like to run barefoot.
The¡§Oceania Farms¡¨is a habitat for rare animals and a paradise for water sports. Not only can children find the modernity of European culture, but also they can learn the customs and traditions of the aborigines.
Leaving the ¡§Oceania Farms", children will reach the ¡§European Piazzas", in which they can see superb cuisines, fine arts and crafts, gorgeous architecture and elegant equestrian sports. There is also a tour bus filled with books and children will be charmed by the romance and elegance of Europe.
In ¡§Ancient Asia", where different Asian cuisines can be found, will stimulate visitors¡¦ appetites. After that they may wish to learn a few tricks of East Asian kung-fu.
Not to be missed is the¡§International Sports Complex". Apart from learning the ancient origins of sports events, visitors can also take part in various cultural performances there. They should also try the¡§Cultural Maze¡¨to test their knowledge of different cultures around the world.
Other highlights of¡§Summer Reading Month 2008¡¨are ¡§Family Story-telling and Dramatisation Contest: Olympic Spirit¡¨and¡§Contest: Create Your Own Game¡¨to be held at the Exhibition Gallery in HKCL to stimulate reading interest among children, enhance their team-building spirits and knowledge of sports.
Other programmes include¡§Japanese Kendo Demo¡¨,¡§Fun with the Czech Puppet Show¡¨, "A Wonderful Magic Tour¡¨,¡§Musical Drama: Around the World in 80 Days", "Music Around the World by Purple Lee¡¨and¡§Disney Reading Together".
In addition, the Assistant Director of Centre for Child Development of the Hong Kong Baptist University, Dr Anna Hui, will give a talk entitled¡§Paired Reading Talk 1: Creativity Education through Reading¡¨for parents and children education workers from 3pm to 4.30pm on July 27 (Sunday). Experienced writer of children¡¦s literature Ms Pearl Poon will share her views in¡§Paired Reading Talk 2: Fun in Paired Reading and Writing¡¨ on August 3 from 3.30pm to 5pm. Both talks, conducted in Cantonese, will be held at the Lecture Theatre and the Activity Room 1 of HKCL respectively.
Admission is free for all activities. For some programmes, admission tickets are required. Programme details and admission ticket information are in the booklet distributed at all public libraries. Enquiries can be made at 2921 2646, or visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:33
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