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Following is a question by the Hon Ir Dr Hon Raymond Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, in the Legislative Council today (May 12):
Question:
I have learnt that with in-line skating becoming popular in recent years, many parents encourage their children to learn the sport, and several organisations rent hard-surface soccer pitches in various districts in Hong Kong and Kowloon during the weekends to run roller skating interest classes for school children. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) it has formulated guidelines on sports activities other than ball games held at hard-surface soccer pitches; if so, of the details; and
(b) it has any plan to increase the number of up-to-standard roller skating rinks; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the two parts of the question is as follows:
(a) The hard-surface pitches managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) can be used for holding various activities. Schools, national sports associations, community sports clubs and other organisations may book the hard-surface pitches for organising ball games and other activities, including roller skating and in-line skating in accordance with the current booking procedure for use of non-fee charging facilities. Regardless of the type of activity held, users have to comply with the conditions for use promulgated by LCSD. Organisations may submit applications to the respective District Leisure Services Offices three to twelve months before the activities take place.
(b) At present, LCSD provides 28 roller skating rinks (which can also be used for in-line skating) in various districts. It also provides two dedicated venues for in-line skating. In addition, five skateboard grounds under LCSD management can also be used for roller skating (including in-line skating). In the coming five years, LCSD will provide three additional new facilities which can be used for roller skating (including in-line skating). By that time, there will be a total of 38 venues in Hong Kong which can be used for roller skating or in-line skating (please refer to the Annex for details).
Ends/Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:25
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