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Following is a question by the Hon Tam Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan, in the Legislative Council today (March 15):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of venues under its management which are dedicated to gateball games and the geographical distribution of such venues;

(2) whether it has plans to increase the number of such venues; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether it has plans to launch promotional activities to encourage elderly people to participate in gateball games with a view to strengthening their health; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

My reply to the questions raised by the Honourable Member are as follows:

(1) Currently, there are 18 dedicated gateball courts managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) which are open to the public free of charge. The geographical distribution of those courts is at Annex 1.

(2) The Government intends to increase the provision of gateball courts. Currently, there are 8 gateball courts which are being planned or under construction by the LCSD. The details are at Annex 2.

(3) The LCSD aims to encourage more elderly people to take part in gateball. It will launch a series of publicity and promotional activities, such as gateball fun days and elementary training courses. The LCSD will also encourage the elderly to develop their interest in the sport by forming teams and taking part in competitions. This is aimed at encouraging our senior citizens to pursue a healthy and active life style and to enrich their social life. The Department plans to organise more than 400 gateball programmes for about 21,400 participants in 2000.

Annex 1

Leisure & Cultural Services Department

Designated Gateball Facilities

District            Location           No. of Courts



Shamshuipo     Lai Chi Kok Park              1



Wong Tai Sin   Morse Park                    2



Kwun Tong      Hong Ning Road Park           2



Tuen Mun       Tsing Tin Playground          1

               Yeung King Playground         1



Yuen Long      Yuen Long Park                1

               Tin Shui Wai Park             1



Tsuen Wan      Tsuen Wan Park                1

               Tsuen Wan Riviera Park        1



Tai Po         Tai Po Waterfront Park        1

               Yuen Shin Park                1



Sha Tin        Che Kung Miu Road Playground  2



Sai Kung       Po Hong Park                  1

               Sheung Ning Playground        2

Annex 2

Leisure & Cultural Services Department

Gateball Facilities Under Planning/Construction



District       Location                 No. of Courts



Kwun Tong      Jordan Valley Playground       2  

               Jordan Valley Landfill         2



Sham Shui Po   Lai Chi Kok Park               1



North          Fanling (near Glamour Garden)  1



Sha Tin        Ma On Shan                     2

End/Wednesday, March 15, 2000

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