Sand sculptors show their creativity at Shek O Beach (with photos)
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     More than 500 local sand sculptors showed their creativity today (November 30) in a competition at Shek O Beach, Southern District, and shared their experience with a team of expert sand sculptors from Japan.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Southern District Sand Sculpture Competition 2008 and Sand Sculpture Exchange Programme provided an opportunity for the participants to demonstrate their creativity and team spirit as well as to exchange their experiences.

     A total of 92 teams participated in this year's competition - 13 teams in the open division, 23 in the family division, 11 in the primary school division, 35 in the secondary school division and 10 in the disabled division.

     Each team had to finish its work within two hours in an area of about three metres by four metres.

     Magnificent sand sculptures adorned the beach when the competition ended, exhibiting the sculptors' creative ideas and craftsmanship.

     Adjudication was based on creativity, skills, relevance to the themes and aesthetic. Winners of today's competition were:

     Open division: "Pride of the Chinese" by "Design by...";

     Family division: "The disappearing forest" by "Sculptors";

     Primary school division: "Selfless love" by "Precious Blood Primary School";

     Secondary school division: "Harmonious family" by "Diocesan Boys' School";

     Disabled division: "An extraordinary encounter in the space" by "Tsin Kan together".

     "The disappearing forest" by "Sculptors" was awarded the overall championship.

     The Kagoshima Hioki City Team of Japan was invited to Hong Kong to demonstrate their skills in today's event. Inspired by the story "Aladdin and The Magical Lamp" in "Arabian Nights", the sand sculptors created the genie of the lamp on the sandy beach. Their work "Say Your Wish" attracted many people for photo-taking. While appreciating the sand sculptures, people also joined the fun fair and performances on the beach where they spent a joyful and relaxed afternoon.

Ends/Sunday, November 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:56

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