Living in Hong Kong 2016 - Recreation

Chapter 6

Recreation Despite being confined to a small perimeter, Hong Kong has a vast amount of dedicated space for recreational purposes. Country parks abound in the New Territories, and various sports clubs are on both sides of the harbor.

Over three quarters of the territory is grass, trees and sand.

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People in Hong Kong work long and hard during the weekdays. But on weekends and holidays, they look forward to participating in recreation and leisure. Blessed with plenty of green space and vast oceans, there is no shortage of land and sea-based sports and physically challenging activities to choose from. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most urbanized cities, but did you know that approximately three-quarters of Hong Kong’s 1,092-square-kilometer land mass is in fact grass, sand and trees? With Hong Kong being a world-class international business and financial services center in the midst of acres of country parks, people here work hard and play hard.

Beyond the bustling shopping malls and frenzied office buildings lies a wealth of activities for residents of Hong Kong to enjoy during their time off. Look a little closer and you will see that Hong

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Kong offers its residents a wide range of leisure activities – supported fully by the Government’s Leisure and Culture Services Department, which builds and operates game halls, sports grounds, swimming pools, parks, museums, libraries and other cultural and recreational venues.

It also organizes and supports a flurry of cultural, sporting and recreational programs and events in co-operation with several semi-independent government boards, associations and individuals.

These include the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, UBS Hong Kong Open Championship, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix and the Hong Kong Squash Open.

With a thriving and growing community of local participants and support organizations, the average hongkonger has a wide variety of activities to keep the

to check out which ones suit your ambition and budget.

Some of the fitness clubs with locations throughout Hong Kong include: BounceLimit This new fitness studio provides individual mini-trampolines for a range of exercise classes. It is a novel way to get a workout. www.bouncelimit.com Fitness First Fully equipped gyms, with locations throughout Hong Kong, providing specialized exercise techniques, such as Dynamic Movement Training. www.fitnessfirst.com.hk

mind busy and muscles limber when they aren’t in the office. If you are interested in learning more about a particular club, check their website, or email your request for information. Hong Kong sportsmen and women are proud of their city’s growing reputation in the international sports scene and expatriate participation is more than welcome.

People in Hong Kong are now generally more aware of their health. With many working mostly five days a week and having a full weekend to enjoy other pursuits, many people are becoming more active and physical. A result of this increased health awareness and extra leisure time has been the rise of fitness clubs.

Most all of these clubs offer monthly memberships for access to sports facilities and professional fitness trainers. Special promotions are always on offer, so it’s best

Flex Studio This studio provides comprehensive training in Pilates, yoga and rigorous barre workouts. Classes include those for children and for physical therapy. www.flexhk.com Physical Fitness & Beauty This chain of fitness and beauty centers offers a range of exercise classes and personal training for general well being and health with locations throughout Hong Kong. www.physical-ppai.com.hk/fitness PURE Fitness This fitness chain provides training environments which include premium equipment, gymnastic movement and suspension systems for boxing, cardio, strength, speed and agility training. www.pure-fitness.com Torqcycle The cycling classes provided by this studio are complete cardio workouts that also engage the core and upper body. www.torqcycle.com

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6 Fitness Class Passes These online companies offer access to fitness classes at various chains in Hong Kong and could be an ideal choice for those who do not want to be tied to a particular club or simply want to hop around different locations.

ClassCruiser Access to studios and gyms in Hong Kong is provided with monthly membership at ClassCruiser. Classes include cycling, yoga, Pilates, strength training and many more. www.classcruiser.com GuavaPass This online company offers passes for fitness classes in Hong Kong and Asia. Unlimited classes from Yoga, Spinning, Dance, CrossFit and Pilates can be had for one monthly membership fee. https://guavapass.com

2016 Sports Event Calendar Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon January 21, 2016 / February 12, 2017 www.hkmarathon.com

The Longines Hong Kong Masters February 19-21, 2016 www.eemworld.com

Cathay Pacific/ HSBC Hong Kong Sevens April 8–10, 2016 www.hkrugby.com

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races June 9, 2016 www.hkdragonboat.org

Major Sporting Events Most of the sporting and competition events in Hong Kong are marked by the Major Sports Events Committee, which is tasked to advise

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on the policy and resource allocation for major sports events in Hong Kong.

Major sports events held in Hong Kong are identified by the “M” mark status. All “M” mark events, such as the Hong Kong.

Marathon, Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races and Hong Kong DanceSport Festival, are listed in the Major Sports Events Committee website. www.mevents.org.hk

Badminton As a recreational leisure activity, young and old alike play badminton throughout Hong Kong. Free outdoor public courts are provided in both the urban areas and the New Territories, and indoor courts are available for hire by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Locations of these courts as well as advanced bookings are available through the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website. www.lcsd.gov.hk The Hong Kong Badminton Association was founded in 1934 and organizes training and competitions in Hong Kong. They hosted The Hong Kong Open Badminton Super Series in 2012 at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Attracting some of the world’s top players, the event saw competition in the women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Games are mainly held at the Hong Kong Park Sports Centre and the Sheung Wan Centre. www.hkbadmintonassn.org.hk

Baseball For many years baseball has slowly progressed as a popular team sport in Hong Kong and a local association (HKBA) was set up as a registered member of the Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee, China. It is also a member of the International Baseball Federation, Baseball Federation of Asia and its administration

and activities are subvented by the Hong Kong SAR Government. www.hkbaseball.org

Basketball You will be surprised by the level of interest in basketball in Hong Kong. Although nowhere as high-profile as the NBA teams, local teams have improved a lot over the years, and more and more people now follow the games regularly.

In many parks and sports grounds, a friendly game between players is a common sight. One of the most popular basketball courts is at the Southern Playground Center in Wanchai. The Hong Kong Amateur Basketball Association, founded in 1912, oversees the development of club teams and tournaments. www.basketball.org.hk

the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, cricket still holds a major place in Hong Kong sports. Today, cricket is a full-fledged sport that is professionally administered by the Hong Kong Cricket Association and subsidized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Among the countless Cricket events and competitions in Hong Kong, the most recognized by far is the annual Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, a three-day tournament held at the Kowloon Cricket Club, offering one of Hong Kong’s most thrilling weekends and attracting superstars from around the world. Although cricket has traditionally been a game dominated by expatriate players, as the game begins to gather popularity, and with the emergence of shorter, faster versions of cricket, this sport has seen an influx of local players in recent years.

Bowling Bowling is a hugely popular indoor sport among families and young people in Hong Kong. Many private clubs offer bowling facilities, including the Yacht Club in Causeway Bay, the Aberdeen Marina Club, Club Siena in Discovery Bay and the Ladies Recreation Club in Mid-Levels. The South China Athletic Association, also in Causeway Bay, is known for its bowling facilities. Other facilities for bowling include AMF Bowling Centres in Mei Foo and Ngau Tau Kok, Dragon Bowling in Tuen Mun, Magic Fun Bowling World in Tsuen Wan and Thunder Bowl in Hung Hom.

The Hong Kong Cricket Association is the governing body of cricket in Hong Kong.

Their website has more information about tournaments and where to play. www.hkcricket.org

Cycling Cycling has become perhaps the most successful sport in Hong Kong, with top cyclist Wong Kam-po, who competed in five Olympics and won three gold medals in the Asian Games, a household name.

The recent success of rising star Sarah Lee Wai-sze, who won a bronze medal at

Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling was established in 1968 to promote the development of tenpin bowling activities. It holds the Hong Kong International Open Tenpin Bowling Championships annually. www.hktbc.org.hk

Cricket The first records of cricket being played in Hong Kong date back to 1841. Even with

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6 the Summer Olympics and gold at other international competitions, including the 2013 Track Cycling World Cup, has further boosted interest in cycling among locals.

Enthusiasts have called on the government to provide more cycling routes, as Hong Kong’s roads are considered too narrow for special bike lanes or for safe cycling on the crowded roads. Transporting bicycles to cycling-friendly locations in Hong Kong and the New Territories can be a challenge.

Bikers are allowed to carry their bikes onto most of the public transport with some restrictions. Bikes are available for hire in nearby shops at many of these locations.

The Cycling Information Centre (CIC), a pilot scheme launched by the Hong Kong government to provide a one-stop platform for the public, provides relevant information on recreational and leisure cycling activities. Locations of cycle tracks, cycling grounds and training are provided at their website. www.td.gov.hk/mini_site/cic/en

quality competition to encourage the sport in Hong Kong. www.hkfa.com

Golf Golf was introduced to Hong Kong just over 100 years ago. Up to the end of the Second World War, it was mainly the interest of the expatriate population.

However, for the past 40 years, golf has become increasingly popular among the local population, who now form some 80 percent of the members of the four golf clubs in the territory. The Hong Kong Golf Association was set up in 1968 to co-ordinate activities at a territory-wide level, including running the National Championships, training players and financing teams to participate in overseas events. Many local professional golfers began their careers with the Hong Kong Golf Club and have represented Hong Kong in a variety of international events for the past twenty years.

Hong Kong Open The GovHK website also provides information on recreation including cycling tracks, grounds locations and biking tours in Hong Kong. www.gov.hk/en/residents/culture/ recreation/activities

Football Football, or soccer to some, is probably the most popular sport in Hong Kong, after horse racing. Football has a long history here, and about a dozen clubs compete in the First Division Football League. Local fans pay close attention to the games of the Premier and Champions league in the UK and matches played in Europe.

The Hong Kong Football Association promotes and develops football in the city. Professional, youth and amateur football matches provide

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The Hong Kong Open, organized by the HK Golf Association, was first held in 1959, making it Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event. Apart from the US Masters in Augusta, it is the only tournament in the world that has been held annually for so long. Considered by many as Asia’s Heritage tournament, the Hong Kong Open is regarded as one of the biggest and most prestigious golf championships in the region. www.ubshkopen.com Hong Kong Golf Association The Hong Kong Golf Association website lists major tournaments and events. www.hkga.com A list of golf club facilities in China, Hong Kong and Macau is also available on the Clubmap website. www.clubmap.com.hk

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6 Endurance Sports There has been a steady increase in Hong Kong people taking up the challenge of endurance sports such as running marathons, cycling and open water swimming, as well as the three combined in triathlons. The appeal of these sports has grown for two reasons: there are more roads and trails where people can run and jog, and the sports themselves are inexpensive to take up, requiring little to no equipment and minimal training.

One of the newest endurance races in Hong Kong is the Clean Half, a 15km extreme marathon swim from Stanley beach to Deep Water Bay. The race may be completed by one swimmer or a relay of four swimmers.

It requires contestants not only to compete for time, but also to navigate their way through open choppy waters and follow marker buoys set along the coast of the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Distance running events include the Standard Chartered Marathon, the China Coast Marathon and Half Marathons. There are several triathlon races in Hong Kong, which involve an Olympic distance swim of 1.5 km, a 40km bike and a 10km run.

Endurance adventure hikes include Hong Kong’s iconic Oxfam Trailwalker, which began in 1981 as a men’s only training exercise for Hong Kong based soldiers.

It has since been opened up to all as an annual fund raising hiking event for teams of four. A “fast” time for completing the 100 km course is anything under 12 hours, with the maximum time limit of 48 hours to finish.

Marathon The Hong Kong Marathon is organized by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletics Association, and the title sponsor is Standard Chartered Bank. The Marathon

has been held annually since 1997 and has grown in scope and participation. It began as a cross border race from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, symbolizing the return of Hong Kong’s sovereignty to China, and attracting over 1,000 runners. The Marathon, held each year in January/February, is now a signature international athletic event that showcases Hong Kong’s fascinating landmarks and also boasts the largest participation sporting event in the territory.

Depending on age and fitness level, the Marathon is split into a Full Marathon, a Half Marathon, a 10km Marathon, a 10km Wheelchair Race and a 3 km Wheelchair Race. www.hkmarathon.com Other marathons take place in Hong Kong throughout the year, including the HKEDS Charity Walk and Run, the Yuen Long Cross Country Race, and many more. The HKRunners website provides a comprehensive list of marathons and walkathons in Hong Kong. www.hkrunners.com

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Rugby Rugby has been played in Hong Kong as long as horses have been racing in Happy Valley. Early newspapers at the Hong Kong Central Public Records Office have accounts of rugby games played during the late 1870s and 1880s. Before World War I, the players were mainly army and navy men, together with the police and merchant cadets from the large trading houses. After World War II, manpower in Hong Kong increased, and local competition flourished.

Recently, Touch & Tag rugby has gained a considerable following in Hong Kong with many enthusiasts taking great interest in the full tackle version of the game.

Hong Kong Sevens The three-day long Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Tournament is considered to be the International Rugby Board’s most recognized in the Sevens World Series. Fans from all over the world pack the 40,000seat Hong Kong Stadium in late March or early April every year. Organized by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU), the event is now an internationally recognized

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phenomenon that attracts teams from the world’s top rugby nations. www.hksevens.com The HKRFU aims to raise the awareness of rugby, while promoting, supporting and encouraging participation in the sport in Hong Kong and Asia. Besides the management and organization of the Hong Kong Sevens, it also provides the facilities, support networks and training for those aspiring to represent Hong Kong in rugby, or for those who just have a general interest in the sport. A number of other clubs in Hong Kong cater to beginners and experienced players. These include: DeA Tigers, Gai Wu, Leighton Asia, Newedge Club, SCAA Causeway Bay, Swiss-Sure East Kowloon and Tricor Typhoons.

The HKRFU’s website has a list of the local clubs and the latest news about tickets and match schedules. www.hkrugby.com

Running Although at first glance Hong Kong does not seem like an ideal place for running, there

are a few places one can go running or jogging that are relatively free of obstructions. There are also many city-wide marathons that take place throughout the year.

The waterfront promenade from Sha Tin to Tai Po is one of the longest flat runs in Hong Kong and an ideal place for people of all ages and ability levels to walk, run or cycle.

If you want to run somewhere minus the concrete, the Hong Kong Trail Stages 1-4 is recommended. Away from the air pollution and traffic, this section of the 50 km trail is ideal to run on due to its lack of hills. www.hkrunners.com

Other Activities Rock climbing Due to many hills and mountains in Hong Kong, the territory is also a popular place for rock climbing and abseiling. There are natural rock faces to suit all skill levels and for both aided and unaided climbing. In addition to outdoor rock climbing, there are many places in which you can climb artificial walls, including the YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui. http://hongkongclimbing.com

Squash

Hong Kong Squash promotes the development of squash in Hong Kong with the organization of local and international competitions. They also represent Hong Rowing Kong in membership of the World Squash There are over 31 rowing clubs in Hong Kong Federation, Asian Squash Federation and affiliated with the Hong Kong, China Rowing Olympic Committee. Every year a Hong Kong Association, including the Hong Kong Police Squash Open attracts top players from Rowing Club, Island School and Hong Kong around the world. Professionals and world Sports Association for the Physically Disabled. champion squash players compete in a The city has performed well at competitions, series of men’s and women’s competitions with competitors winning medals at the Asian that are set in portable glass courts for Games and East Asian Games. spectacular viewing. www.hksquash.org.hk In addition to regular rowing activities, dragon boat racing is also a popular spectacle. To celebrate the traditional holiday of Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat Festival), many dragon boat races and events take place in June in various locations such as Tai O and Stanley. www.rowing.org.hk

Triathlon Triathlon is a popular activity in Hong Kong for youth and adults, with the Hong Kong Dragons being one of the most well-known and established organizations. The Hong Kong Triathlon Association is the governing body behind all triathlon, duathlon and aquathon activities in Hong Kong and holds events in many locations, including Repulse Bay and Lantau Island. www.triathlon.com.hk

Table Tennis Table tennis has always been an amateur leisure sport in Hong Kong. Table tennis competition and club play regained popularity after Ko Lai Chak and Li Ching, two Hong Kong table tennis champions, won the silver medal in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Since then, many young people have been drawn to the sport.

The Hong Kong Table Tennis Association governs training, competitions and the local activity of players and clubs. www.hktta.org.hk

Tennis Tennis in Hong Kong in the 19th century was regarded as a leisure activity for wealthy expatriates. Not until the first few

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6 years of the 20th century did any kind of competitive tennis take place. In 1911, the first National Grass Court Men’s Singles Championship was played at the Hong Kong Cricket Club. From there, 1918 saw the first victory of a Chinese player, Ng Sze Kwong, who then went on winning six successive titles. By 1938, there were 72 courts on Hong Kong Island and over 80 in Kowloon, although playing tennis still remained a privilege available only to a wealthy minority. Today it has become widespread in Hong Kong, with leagues and tournaments for all age groups held throughout the year.

There are 41 affiliated clubs, 260 tennis courts available to the public and many more in private organizations.

Three Hong Kong-wide open hard court annual tournaments provide the means for players to prove their worth and achieve national rankings in Hong Kong: the Hong Kong National Tennis Championships organized by the Hong Kong Tennis Association (HKTA), the Chinese Recreation Club (CRC) Open Hardcourt Tennis Championships, and the South China Athletic Association (SCAA) Open Championships.

The Hong Kong Tennis Association now has a home base, the HKTA Tennis Centre at the Kowloon Tsai Park. www.tennishk.org

Volleyball The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix is an annual international women’s volleyball competition that has been held in Hong Kong since 1993. Every summer, the preliminary matches are hosted in different countries, primarily in Asia, on a rotating basis. Top ranked women’s volleyball national teams then compete in the final rounds for the championship. The Volleyball Association of Hong Kong organizes the event, along with many other events that

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promote participation and spectatorship in volleyball. The Hong Kong leg of the World Grand Prix is now played at the Hong Kong Coliseum, and the matches are broadcast live and relayed to local and international TV. The Volleyball Association of Hong Kong hosts and organizes many events to promote volleyball in Hong Kong. www.vbahk.org.hk

Sports Resources Major Sports Events Committee Most of the recognized sporting and competition events in Hong Kong are listed by the Major Sports Events Committee, one of the three committees under the Sports Commission, which launched the “M” mark system to recognized major sports events held in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races and Hong Kong DanceSport Festival and others. Their website lists all the “M” marked events of the year. www.mevents.org.hk

Leisure and Cultural Services Department The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages a wide variety of facilities and programs that are available for the general public’s use and registration. Some facilities, such as swimming pools, do not require prebooking. Other facilities and centers, including those for rope courses, archery ranges, bowling greens, holiday camps, badminton, basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis and squash courts, do require advance booking and often the prepayment of fees. Their website lists the locations of the leisure facilities, fees, and the terms and conditions for their use. www.lcsd.gov.hk

Hong Kong Games Organized biennially by the Sports

Commission and the Community Sports Committee since 2007, the fourth Hong Kong Games (HKG) held in 2013 saw athletes from 18 District Councils participating in multi-sports competitions including swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, basketball and athletics. Each district selects athletes to participate in the events, and through this, the HKG aims not only to promote the culture of “Sport for All”, but also to give a sense of pride in one’s own district, while strengthening relationships among the districts. www. hongkonggames.hk/en/home

Other private clubs are geared specially to sports such as golf, cricket, sailing and rugby. These clubs set their own guidelines for the joining fee and monthly membership fees. Some clubs require the payment of debentures. www.clubmap.com.hk

Sports Training

Hong Kong Hiking Meetup Group

Most children will become involved in leisure sports activities, hobbies and extracurricular events through their schools.

If you are a member of a club, they may also provide activities for children. Many of the sports clubs and associations and arts groups listed have youth programs, courses and training schemes all year round. MultiSport and the Hong Kong Sports Institute run a range of sports activities at schools and public venues.

The Hong Kong Hiking Meetup Group organizes hiking and outings for its members. On average, 10 hikes are

Major Clubs and Associations Hong Kong Dragon Triathlon Club The Hong Kong Dragon Triathlon Club offers social events, triathlon training events and other activities. The club hosts competitive races throughout the year. www.hktriclub.com

The YMCA runs a wide variety of courses and summer youth camps in July and August, including many sports, martial arts, outdoor survival, wall climbing, computer training, language, music, arts, drama, dance and cookery. www.ymcahk.org.hk

Private Clubs Many housing developments in Hong Kong provide clubs with leisure facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, and gym facilities for residents’ use.

The enrollment for these clubs is typically restricted to the residents. The fees may be part of or in addition to the rental of the flat.

Flat owners in these developments have the right to join the clubs if they wish.

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6 scheduled for each week. Their members organize overseas and night-time hikes, as well as meet-ups at various racing activities locally and internationally. Their activities also include raising money for charities such as Oxfam and for famine relief. They also organize teams to participate in the annual Trailwalker event. www.meetup.com/hongkonghikinggroup

Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association The Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association is dedicated to promoting recreational, environmental and educational benefits of mountain biking. They encourage responsible, environmentally sensible trail use and the creation of community recreation trail networks for the health and benefit of local citizens and visitors. Their website has a trail guide and an event calendar, group rides and races. www.hkmba.org

Hong Kong Sports Institute Established in 2004, the Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited (HKSI) provides support to elite-level athletes that includes coaching, training, sports medicine, sports education and general sports information. Its primary role is to provide an environment in which talented local athletes can be identified, nurtured and developed to pursue excellence and enhance the opportunities for winning medals in international sporting competitions.

Comprehensive support includes world-class coaching, facilities and technical support. www.hksi.org.hk

Lantau Buffaloes The Lantau Buffaloes is an association in Discovery Bay that promotes and develops sporting activities, including cycling, mountain biking, road and trail running, swimming and triathlons. They organize training activities and provide information on competitions for their members. The Lantau Calves Triathlon

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for children is a new addition. www.lantaubuffalos.org

Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong The Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong is a voluntary organization that promotes the development of physical fitness in Hong Kong. The association provides education and training to fitness professionals. Their aim is to foster community-based physical fitness education programs as well as professional certifications. http://hkpfa.org.hk

South China Athletic Association The South China Athletic Association promotes community-based sports and organizes teams to participate in local and overseas competitions. They provide recreational facilities and training courses for a number of sports, including badminton, basketball, dancing, fencing, football, golf, martial arts, shooting, swimming, tennis, table tennis and many more. Their club facilities are located in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and at the Kowloon Tennis Centre at King’s Park Sports Ground in Ho Man Tin, near Jordan MTR station. www.scaa.org.hk

Trailwalker The Trailwalker was formerly an endurance training exercise for soldiers stationed in Hong Kong. In 1986, Oxfam became one of the co-organizers, and at the same time the event was opened to the public. It is now one of the largest fund raising sporting events in Hong Kong. Participants have raised millions to support Oxfam’s various poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in Africa and Asia, including Hong Kong and Mainland China. Participants form teams of four to complete the 100km MacLehose

Trail within a 48-hour time limit. Many mixed and corporate teams compete in this grueling event. Along with their support team members, the teams walk straight through the night in order to finish the trail, which starts in Sai Kung and ends in Yuen Long, within the time limit. www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

Walk Hong Kong Walk Hong Kong offers guided walking and hiking tours in some of Hong Kong’s most unpopulated and remote areas. Tours include themed, guided walks of Kowloon markets, Hong Kong history, photography workshops and bird watching. A schedule of Walk Hong Kong’s outings is available on their website.

Walks can be booked as private tours. www.walkhongkong.com

organizations include the Riding for the Disabled Association Ltd Hong Kong, an equestrian association for the disabled founded in 1975; the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped, established in 1978; the Hong Kong Sports Association of the Deaf, founded in 1983; Hong Kong Wheelchair Dance Sport Association, founded in 2003; and the Hong Kong Blind Sports Association, established in 2008.

Equestrian Though geographically small and crowded, Hong Kong has an amazing array of equestrian facilities in both the private and public sectors. Horse racing in Hong Kong commenced in 1841 with the arrival of the British, and today it is the single most popular spectator sport in Hong Kong.

Sports for the Disabled The Hong Kong Paralympics Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (HKPC) was established in 1972 by a group of rehabilitation enthusiasts. The Association is in charge of promoting, organizing, developing and implementing sports for the physically disabled and arranging the training and selection of athletes to represent Hong Kong in overseas competitions. The HKPC is the sole organization in Hong Kong recognized by both the National Paralympics Committee (NPC) and the International Paralympics Committee (IPC). It is the only association in Hong Kong authorized to select athletes to participate in the Paralympics Games, World & Regional Games and Championships sanctioned by the IPC. Their website details all their programs and activities: www.hkparalympic.org

The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) is dedicated to promoting Equestrian sports in Hong Kong. It is the official body representing Equestrian sports in Hong Kong at national and international levels. Every year, the HKEF hosts a series of international competitions including The World Jumping Challenge, The World Dressage Challenge and The F.E.I. World Children’s Jumping Competition.

The HKEF cooperates closely with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and consolidates all matters related to equestrian sports. The HKEF organizes Hong Kong’s participation in the equestrian events at the Olympic Games, the Youth Olympic Games and the Asian Games.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Other related associations provide training and competition for many activities and sports such as bowling, dance, football, golf, judo, and riding for the disabled. These

The Hong Kong Jockey Club was founded in 1884, and changed from an amateur to a professional organization in 1971. Through its subsidiaries, the Jockey Club is the only

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6 authorized operator of horse racing in Hong Kong. Today, the thrilling thunder of hooves and the deafening roar of spectators can be heard in Hong Kong’s two high-tech racetracks, one in Happy Valley and the other in Sha Tin. The Hong Kong International Races is an annual event at the end of the year and has become the most important stop for horsemen and owners from around the globe. www.hkjc.com

Water Sports With beaches and oceans on all sides, no wonder water sports are among the most popular activities on Hong Kong’s sporting hot list. From scuba diving to fishing to windsurfing, Hong Kong has a remarkable availability of water sports facilities, clubs

and support networks. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) manages five water sports centers in the New Territories and Hong Kong Island: Chong Hing Water Sports Centre, Stanley Main Beach Water Sports, St. Stephen’s Beach Water Sports Centre, Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre and the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Centre. These centers hold regular training courses, competitions, camps and more to improve water sports skills and safety. www.lcsd.gov.hk/watersport

Swimming Pools A Hong Kong summer could really be a

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steamy, sticky mess if it weren’t for two main commodities: air conditioning and swimming pools. In regards to the latter, many Hong Kong children are effectively raised at their local public swimming pools, partly to learn the swimming skills, and partly as an excuse to free themselves from the unforgiving heat and humidity of Hong Kong’s warmer months. Adults also patronize local swimming facilities in their time off as an inexpensive, comfortable and convenient means to keep their bodies in shape and health in check. Pool water in all public swimming pools is continuously filtered and sterilized during opening hours, and water quality is closely monitored on the spot as well by regular laboratory tests.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages 43 public swimming pool complexes; 9 on Hong Kong Island, 13 in Kowloon and 21 in the New Territories.

The average price of entry to a government swimming pool is around HK$ 17-19 for adults; and HK$ 8-9 for children below 14, adults over 60, persons with disabilities and full time students. Generally, toddlers below the age of 3 are given free admission. Children under 12 years old are not allowed to enter or use the facilities unless accompanied by adults. Lockers are provided free, with a HK$ 5 deposit for locker key hire, or you can bring your own padlock. For children, the LCSD also provides facilities at selected swimming pools, such as water slides, splash pools and water play equipment. Swimming sessions are usually split in time periods of 6:30am–12pm, 1pm–6pm and 7pm–10pm, and lifeguard service is available at all public swimming pools. It is recommended that you avoid the early evening, as this is the busiest time for swimming. Also make sure you check if the pool is closed for the day due

to maintenance or storm warnings, or if it is pre-booked by school gala days, swimming club events, etc.

Some LSCD swimming pools are closed from November to April. However, larger establishments, such as the YMCA, give access to their pool facilities for members and have heated outdoor and indoor pools available year round. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Central also has a well-equipped health club for its members.

Saunas, spas and steam rooms that are not available in government pools can be found at these facilities. Because not all swimming pools are open year round, before heading out in your favorite Speedo, call or refer to an appropriate website for details of opening times and availability.

You can check the water quality and locations of public pools on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website. www. lcsd.gov.hk

Public Beaches Sometimes, a crowded 25-meter swimming pool just isn’t going to cut it, especially for those looking for a summer tan. You may think that Hong Kong’s beaches may not live up to the standards of Hawaii or Australia’s Gold Coast, as their image has been tainted somewhat in recent years. But in fact, Hong Kong has a large number of well-maintained beaches, both private and public, and many are perfect areas for swimming.

However not every beach in Hong Kong is available for swimming. The LCSD manages the beaches on Hong Kong Island and across the New Territories and outlying islands. These are referred to as gazetted beaches or “public bathing beaches”. They are equipped with basic shower facilities, changing facilities and tethered platforms.

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6 With the exception of a few beaches that are closed temporarily, shark prevention nets have been installed in most beaches.

Lifeguard service hours are generally between 9am and 5pm, but vary depending on the time of the year and beach in question.

Of course there are also private beaches available; however these do not offer any public facilities. Popular beaches are sure to attract a number of surrounding cafes, restaurants, and bars/clubs. At some, barbecue pits are available for a small usage charge. For the harder ones to access, you may need to bring your own food and drinks.

Here are some pointers should you wish to head down to your local beach for a swim.

Look for half-red, half-yellow flags, which mean that lifeguard service is present. If you see a red flag, do not enter the water.

This could indicate red tide, strong waves or heavy pollution. Do not enter the water if a shark warning flag is hoisted. Do not swim in the dark, do not swim alone, and be sure not to swim during a thunderstorm. You may also want to be wary of hazardous wildlife, such as sea urchins, jellyfish, and sharks (although serious incidents are few and far between). It is also not recommended to go for a swim within three days after a heavy rain, as pollutants from land that have accumulated wash from the roads down to the sea. Beach water quality is monitored by the Environmental Protection Department.

Before you head out, you can check your local beach’s water quality at their website, where water quality is graded from one (Good) to four (Very Poor). www.gov.hk

Cross Harbor Swim In 2011, the Cross Harbor Swim was revived after a 33-year hiatus. Worries about the

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pollution in Victoria Harbour had halted the swim during that time. This iconic annual event started in 1906 and was suspended in 1979. The Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association held the revived event in October 2011 with a limited number of registered swimmers taking a route from Lei Yue Mun in Kowloon to Sai Wan Ho Harbour Park Public Pier on Hong Kong Island. The swim has been held annually since with a steady increased number of participants yearly. Competitors included amateurs and professionals, young and old (ranging in age from 12 to 78). www. hkasa.org.hk

Camping Minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, what may come as a surprise for many newcomers is that in fact, camping in the countryside is not so much a fabled dream of the common residents as much as it is a regular activity in Hong Kong.

There are campsites throughout Hong Kong designated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

Accessibility to campsites ranges from easy to difficult to strenuous, and first-timers are not recommended to take on the more difficult hikes, which are specified in the LSCD website. Tent spaces range from five up to 40, and because campsites work under a “first-come first-served basis�, it is recommended to avoid weekends and public holidays, as these attract the largest number of visitors competing for resources and facilities.

Facilities at most campsites include barbecue pits and accompanying benches and tables, as well as pavilions. You will also find toilet facilities in a few selected sites, some of which may include sinks and showers. It is advisable to check what facilities are available before camping, and pack suitably.

Further, it is recommended that campers bring their own water supply for drinking and cooking purposes. Availability of water can be checked on the AFCD website. Also, be sure to check the weather conditions before you set out, as it is not recommended to go camping during thunderstorms or rainstorms, or when landslide or typhoon warnings are hoisted. Also, be sure not to light any fires if the red fire danger signal is in force.

Go to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website, in the Country and Marine Parks section, to find the location maps and details about the campsites. www.afcd.gov.hk Government subvention is granted to some camps and water sports centers through the Broadcasting, Culture and Sports Bureau.

Camp charges are set at very modest levels and are open throughout the year:

Scouts, Girl Guides and Youth Hostels Scouts Association of Hong Kong Tel: 2377 3330 www.scout.org.hk Girl Guides Association Tel: 2332 5523 www.hkgga.org.hk Youth Hostels Association www.yha.org.hk

Country Parks Several large country parks are located within three main areas: the New Territories, Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island. For those interested in hiking, camping, walking and other outdoor pursuits, start with research on these websites: • Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department www.amo.gov.hk • Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department www.afcd.gov.hk • GovHK (Hong Kong Government) www.gov.hk Don’t forget that even though you are never far from civilization, it is still easy to get lost. Take a flashlight, plenty of water, warm clothing and a traveling companion, and tell someone where you are going. Bring your mobile phone and take note of government trail markers in case you need to call for help. The dry, cool season is the best time to go walking (November to January) but it is also the most dangerous, as it is the season for hill fires.

Hiking around Hong Kong With acres of country parks surrounding the urban sprawl of Hong Kong, hiking is one of the most enjoyed and easiest activities for young and old. Always bring a friend, a map, a mobile phone, a whistle, plenty of water, protective clothes and appropriate gear. Budget your time carefully and be sure to let your family or friends know where you plan to start and end your hikes.

Hikers have been lost and have perished in the wilderness of Hong Kong. There are several websites that offer detailed information about hiking, locations and the level of difficulty of specific trails. www.gov. hk/en/residents/culture/recreation and http://hiking.gov.hk

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6 Popular Hikes Cheung Chau Cheung Chau is the most densely inhabited outer island, yet it still maintains its local customs. To start this easy two-hour walk, head south along the water to Sai Wan, where you’ll find a Tin Hau temple past the pier. Continue up the footpath to visit Cheung Po Tsai Cave, named after a pirate of the nineteenth century. After exploring the cave, head back towards the path down between giant rocks to a small beach, Po Yue Wan. Venturing onwards, you may find yourself scrambling over some slippery rocks, but the vista of the South China Sea is well worth the effort once you reach the Reclining Rock.

Continue up the hill to Peak Road West, and head along the southern bend until

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you hit Nam Tam village and the secluded waters of Morning Beach. Here, another Tin Hau Temple faces south at the bay.

Head northwards along Peak Road until you reach Kwun Yam (Goddess of Mercy) Temple along Kwun Yam Wan Road. Behind it is the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Center, which has a good selection of drinks and snacks and views of Afternoon Bay.

Dragon’s Back Dragon’s Back is one of the most accessible trails, and also features a great reward at the end: Shek O. The hike is moderate in difficulty. It takes about three hours if you stop once in a while to take in the views, which include Stanley and Tai Tam Harbour. Start by climbing to the top of the ridge, which resembles a dragon’s back.

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, the Bay Beneath the sea in the north of Sai Kung Peninsula, is one of Hong Kong’s best places for hard corals, with around 60 species. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department offers free eco-tours on Sundays and holidays. www.afcd.gov.hk

Hong Kong GeoPark The newest place that offers hiking trails around some of Hong Kong’s oldest landforms is at the GeoPark, located east of Sai Kung and in the northeast New Territories. Established in 2010 as a means of promoting education, conservation and sustainable development, the Hong Kong GeoPark is the best place to learn about geology and earth science. Go to their website for information on the various places to hike or take boat tours. www.geopark.gov.hk

Hong Kong Trail The 50-kilometer Hong Kong Trail is a favorite of many. It traverses five country parks on Hong Kong Island and is divided into eight sections that include trails of varying degrees of difficulty, designed for both novice and expert hikers. The route passes through the Tai Tam Reservoir system and over various historical structures — dams, bridges and architectural landmarks — some of which were built over 100 years ago. Throughout the trail, there are campsites, rest areas, toilets and barbecue pits. The vast areas of open and green space, sometimes with no buildings in sight, offer a dramatic contrast to the urban areas that surround the country parks.

MacLehose Trail MacLehose Trail is probably the most famous walk, as it is where the annual

“Trailwalker” race is held in November to complete the 100-kilometer path. Gurkha soldiers started the Trailwalker race over 30 years ago and have participated in the annual race since. On average it takes approximately 13 hours at a jog, while even the fittest civilians take around 20 hours to complete the trail. Most people take 30 hours or do better at a grueling walk. The course record is nine hours and 50 minutes.

Ng Tung Chai Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls are magical and among the prime waterfalls in Hong Kong.

From Ng Tung Chai (village), walk up a concrete footpath, passing stands of trees, with the main tributary of the Lam Tsuen River below. The concrete path ends at the temple complex where the route to the falls becomes a forest trail. At the next junction, take a short flight of rocky steps down to the stream just below the Lower Falls. You’ll be heading to the Middle Falls, where the stream drops down a cliff to a pool ringed by boulders. The Lower and Middle falls are just a supporting cast for the Main Falls, which are ahead along a steep, zigzagging trail upwards. Minibus 25K from Tai Po Market East Rail station serves Ng Tung Chai village, but stops at a junction on Lam Kam Road. Take a taxi from there or from Tai Po market.

Pak Tam Aw to Pak Tam Chung (Sai Kung) This hike starts with a good chunk of the MacLehose Trail, between sections two and three. It’s a moderately difficult six- to eight-hour hike. From the bus stop at Pak Tam Aw, the trail is a short walk away, and offers views of the east and west arms of Long Harbour. The trail is level for a few kilometers until you head down to the pebble beach. Follow the trail head upwards to Tai Long Au to reach the

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6 summit. From here, the sparkling waters of Tai Long Wan beach beckon. Heading uphill at Sai Wan, continue up the long staircase until you connect to the east ridge of High Island Reservoir. Follow its northern rim until you meet up with Pak Tam Road again.

Ping Nam Stream, Pat Sin Leng Country Park, New Territories The Hula Skirt Falls are the most eyecatching sight. Dropping from a height of 70 feet, the water spreads out over the top of the cliff and tumbles over the edge like a curtain. The Twin Falls are 95 feet high, and just a 10-minute walk from Hula Skirt Falls.

Go to Fanling MTR station and take the exit to Nam Chung Road. Walk along Cheng Uk Village towards the dam. The Hula Skirt Falls is on the path to the right of the dam and takes about 45 minutes to reach.

Other Activities Martial Arts Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in Hong Kong or China is a walking Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, ready to pass out roundhouse kicks to the face or comic Kung Fu against poorly armed henchmen.

It isn’t too far-fetched to say, however, that martial arts are among the most popular ways to stay healthy in Hong Kong, which has been home to some of the most famous training schools and masters in the world.

However, expats may find it a little more difficult to find suitable training schools without knowledge of Cantonese, as most schools are designed for the local population. English speaking classes are offered, but classes can take months to fill up to an acceptable number in many cases, so plan on alternative means to stay fi t if you are staying only for a short period of time.

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If you are still interested in learning martial arts, Hong Kong is the place to be, offering training from not only Chinese origins, but also of the countries around the world.

Some of the training courses include Tai Chi (Defensive), Jujitsu, Judo, Karate, Tae-Kwon-Do, Shaolin Kung Fu, as well as the ever-famous Wing Chun. The South China Athletic Association offers training in various forms of martial arts. www.scaa.org.hk

Social Dance Social dancing, not to be confused with partner dancing or group dancing, is a dance form or dance type where socializing and having a relaxing and fun time is the main focus, without the pressure of a live performance. Most social dances are partner dances, such as Ballroom Dancing, Country and Western Dance, Folk Dance, Latin American Dancing and others. But group dances like Line Dancing and Circle Dancing are also popular.

Though intended for a very niche market, making it extremely hard to find even in a vibrant city such as Hong Kong, rest assured, social dancing in Hong Kong can be found, and you just need to know where to look. The Culture Club in Hong Kong offers a “Red Tango Night” every second or third Saturday night of the month, as well as Tango workshops. The dress code is red, the atmosphere electric and the admission free. What more could you ask for? www.cultureclub.com.hk

The Hong Kong Ballroom Dancing Council The Hong Kong Ballroom Dancing Council Limited was established in 1989 to promote ballroom, Latin and social dancing. www.dance.com.hk

Hong Kong DanceSport Association Hong Kong DanceSport Association (HKDSA) is the only national sports association in Hong Kong under Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, responsible for the development of DanceSport (Latin American Dance & Standard Dance), and also under Leisure and Cultural Services Department, responsible for the promotion of DanceSport in School Sports Program.

HKDSA is also the only Hong Kong official

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6 representative of World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) & Asian DanceSport Federation (ADSF). http://dancesport.silver.yp.com.hk

South China Athletic Association The South China Athletic Association offers training in various forms of social dance such as Latin Salsa, Line Dancing and Jazz. www.scaa.org.hk

Yoga Yoga has become hugely popular among the young and the executive types. It is not cheap compared with other sports, since membership fees are required for facilities and an instructor. But for many, the benefit of getting fit with yoga as well as its meditative benefits are well worth the money and the effort. Special promotions are always on offer, so it’s best to check out which one suits your ambition and budget.

Some of the major yoga clubs with locations throughout Hong Kong include: • Fitness First www.fitnessfirst.com.hk • PURE Yoga www.pure-yoga.com • The Yoga Room www.yogaroomhk.com • Iyengar Yoga Centre www.iyengaryogahongkong.com

Trampoling Bounce This trampoline venue provides a great workout for all ages and parties can be booked in advance. wwwbounceinc.com.hk

Ryze This venue offers a large range of jumping activities and parties of up to thirty people can be booked in advance. www.ryzehongkong.com

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Suppliers for Recreation

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Countryside Adventure Tours PO Box 767, Tai Po Post Office, Tai Po, N.T. Tel (852) 6053 6076 Email info@adventuretours.hk Web www.adventuretours.hk Contact Wouter van Marle Adventurous guided hikes and boat tours to see the unique cultural history and hexagonal rock columns of the Hong Kong Geopark, snorkelling at coral areas and fireflies and bats watching.

All tours are led by certified R2G Geopark guide.

Suitable for children, tour fees start at just $90.

See website for the latest schedules.

Walk Hong Kong Ltd Tel Web Email Contact

(852) 9187 8641 www.walkhongkong.com walks@walkhongkong.com Gabi Baumgartner

Explore the green side of Hong Kong with our experienced guides.

Walk Hong Kong offers guided walking and hiking tours. We can take you on a hike within Hong Kong’s Country Parks - some of Hong Kong’s most unpopulated and pristine areas.

If hiking is not your thing, join one of our guided walking tours that include Kowloon’s markets, Hong Kong’s heritage and history, WW2 traces, Nature Photography or Birdwatching Tours.

Take advantage of Walk Hong Kong’s extensive knowledge and share in our passion for this region.

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