In this undated file photo, a boy skateboards in an empty basketball court at the Java Road Playground in North Point. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong plans to convert part of a municipal building and a section of a park into public sports facilities in Kowloon to bolster the city’s sports development.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po had revealed in his 2023-24 Budget last month that resources have been reserved to explore using underutilized floors at Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building in Yau Ma Tei to provide indoor facilities suitable for urban sports like skateboarding and climbing. There’re also plans to upgrade a basketball court at King George V Memorial Park in Jordan into a sports and fitness center with indoor and outdoor facilities. 

“It’s expected that the technical feasibility study of the renovation project will be completed within the year, and consultations will be carried out according to the relevant procedures,” Chan said in his Sunday blog.

“Hardware facilities are indispensable for sports development,” he said. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the SAR government aims to optimize existing sports facilities by introducing bouldering walls and skateboarding facilities. He noted that some urban sports activities, such as 3-on-3 basketball, five-a-side football, BMX freestyle, skateboarding, sport climbing and street dance, have been formally included in the Olympics or Youth Olympics

At present, there are 14 public climbing facilities, eight skateboarding parks, five extreme-sports venues, and more than 120 five-a-side football pitches in the special administrative region.

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Chan said the SAR government aims to optimize existing sports facilities by introducing bouldering walls and skateboarding facilities. He noted that some urban sports activities, such as 3-on-3 basketball, five-a-side football, BMX freestyle, skateboarding, sport climbing and street dance, have been formally included in the Olympics or Youth Olympics.

“Emerging sports have created new dimensions for physical fitness, self-challenges and personal expression, while strengthening the bonds among residents, neighbors and communities,” said Chan.

“Hong Kong's post-pandemic recovery is in full swing and there are many upcoming sporting events, such as the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, the Hong Kong Cycling Festival, and the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens at the end of the month. 

“The Hong Kong Tourism Board has allocated over HK$ 250 million ($33 million) this year to continue hosting and promoting a range of large-scale tourism events, including sports competitions,” he added.

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Chan had personal experience of skateboarding at the Kwun Tong Promenade skatepark in early March under the guidance of professional athlete Luk Chun-yin, who represented the SAR at the 2010 and 2013 Asian Games.