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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited Sai Kung today (March 18) to inspect the construction progress of sports facilities and minor works in the district, chat with the elderly to gain a better understanding of their living environment, and witness the setting up of the Care Sai Kung Charitable Fund.
Mr Tsang officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Care Sai Kung Charitable Fund this afternoon. The fund, established by members of the local community, aims to combine efforts from various sectors, non-governmental organisations and local groups for the betterment of residents.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Tsang said the Chief Executive had announced in the Policy Address earlier the setting up of a Community Care Fund to provide assistance to those in need on top of the social security system through the joint efforts of the Government and the business sector. The relief measures in the Budget announced recently will also benefit various sectors and return wealth to the people.
He said, "I am glad to see the setting up of the Care Sai Kung Charitable Fund to provide more flexible and effective assistance at the community level to the needy and underprivileged, especially the elderly, bringing them warmth and care.
"The fund deserves our commendation. It not only will contribute to the well being of society, but also promote a spirit of love and care, setting a good example to encourage other districts to follow suit."
Mr Tsang also visited the site of Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex this afternoon to inspect construction progress. He was briefed by the staff of Leisure and Cultural Services Department on the unique building characteristics of the sports centre in the complex.
He said, "The SAR government attaches great importance to promoting long-term sports development in Hong Kong and is committed to providing and upgrading more sports facilities to meet community needs. The completion of the sports centre will bring a wide range of leisure and sports facilities for use by residents."
The Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex project is expected to be completed in the middle of this year. The sports centre will include a multi-purpose main arena with seating capacity for about 1,200 spectators, a fitness room, an indoor running track, a table-tennis room, a children's play room and a reading corner.
The indoor running track is the first of its kind in Tseung Kwan O district. Constructed alongside the upper level of the main arena, the all-weather track allows the public to enjoy jogging without being disturbed by other activities held in the arena.
During the visit, Mr Tsang also inspected the progress of two district minor works projects – a covered walkway at Kai King Road in King Lam Estate and a roadside planters-changed footpath near Po Lam Road North.
Mr Tsang then went on to meet the elderly who were attending a fight-crime talk at the Po Lam multi-purpose hall to learn more about their lives in the district.
Ends/Friday, March 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:26
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