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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Urban Council:

The Provisional Urban Council's St. Stephen's Beach Water Sports Centre, the first of its kind under the Council's management, will be opened for public use from Tuesday (June 23).

Facing a natural inner bay, the Centre is an ideal venue for water sports training and competition. The 860-square-metre site was originally occupied by Stanley Services Sailing Club. PUC has invested an estimate of $2.5 million for renovation and installation of facilities and crafts to turn it into a water sports centre.

The Centre will provide elementary to advanced level of sailing, windsurfing and canoeing training courses. Fun days and sea tours will also be held periodically. Fees for one to five-day activities range from $30 to $200.

To facilitate members of the public to enjoy water sports according to their standards and time schedules, the Centre would arrange special packages for individual organisations, companies and members of the public.

A wide range of water sports equipment, including sailing dinghies, windsurfers and canoes can be hired from the Centre at charges between $15 and $30 per hour.

Water sports enthusiasts aged above 14 and with the relevant qualifications are welcome to hire the facilities and enroll in activities. Full-time students and persons aged 60 or above would enjoy half-price concessionary rates.

All applications can be made by mail, phone or on-the-spot. Leaflets and application forms can the obtained from the Centre and PUC's 10 District Recreation, Amenities and Sports Offices. Enquiries can be made on 2813 5407.

The Centre, located at Wong Ma Kok Road near St. Stephen's Beach in Southern, can be reached by bus no. 6, 6A, 6X and 260 from Central. It will open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and close every Tuesday.

End/Sunday, June 21, 1998

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