K T Poon, Director of Corporate Communications said, “First launched in 2012, The Link Community Sports Academy received an enthusiastic welcome, attracting 700 participants, tenants, social groups and people in the Hong Kong sporting community.  At the start of 2013, we are going to kick start the spring courses of The Link Community Sports Academy with an even greater variety of sports. Training courses will cover more districts allowing more people to participate. We will also be offering bowling training to people with disabilities in an effort to build a more inclusive society.”

 
More sports and more venues
 

The number of sports offered will increase from 2 last year to 6 in the Spring courses.  In addition to popular sports such as soccer and basketball, the Academy will be offering tennis, tai chi, bowling and roller skating.  All courses will be taught by professional coaches.  The number of sports venues will also be doubled to 10 in 8 districts across Kowloon and the New Territories.

 
In order to instil sports skills and nurture sports talent in the community, The Link will also have advanced courses to be held this summer for students who show outstanding performance during the spring courses.

 
All equipment provided free of charge

 
Since not every family can afford the high tuition and equipment cost of tennis and roller skating, the Academy will make equipment available to all participants free of charge, including tennis rackets, roller skating boots, helmets and other safety equipment. This is to ensure that all children and teens regardless of economic circumstances will have the opportunity to learn a sport.
 

 
The Link believes that persons with disabilities should have the right to experience the joy of sports.  Therefore, bowling courses will be opened to persons with disabilities for the first time. Professional coaches have been invited to offer training to people with visual, hearing or mild intellectual impairments, as well as those with autism or ADHD.  Accordingly, The Academy has contacted and reserved places for interested non-profit organisations, rehabilitation groups and special schools. Tai chi courses organised by the Academy will be open to people of all ages.

 
Tenants of The Link join in to serve the community
 

The spring courses have gained the support of The Link’s tenants, who have also taken the initiative to organise courses. These tenants include the Asia Football Coaching Academy at Wong Tai Sin, Dragon Bowling at Oi Man Plaza and Kanata Sports Centre at Fortune Shopping Centre. Their involvement reflects the close partnership between The Link and its tenants, while helping them gain greater exposure to the community.
 

As was the case last summer, the Academy will cooperate with non-profit organisations to accommodate children from low-income families.

 
Enrolment in the spring courses runs from today until 25 Feb 2013. Enrolment forms are available at www.thelinkreit.com/EN/corporate/Pages/Sports_Academy.aspx. Forms are also available at all the customer service counters of The Link.