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■復辦「維港渡海泳」反映香港努力改善維港水質的成效明顯，同時有利於推動本港游泳運動普及化。 資料圖片
停辦33年的「維港渡海泳」上月中舉行，共有715名男女選手參加個人賽，隊際賽則有95隊參賽。復辦「維港渡海泳」很有意義，不僅反映香港努力改善維港水質的效果明顯，而且有利於推動本港游泳運動普及化，對於推動綠色大珠三角地區優質生活圈的建設也會有積極影響。復辦「維港渡海泳」也勾起港人集體回憶，重現過去年代拚搏進取的香港精神，激勵市民重拾面對未來的信心。特區政府今後應在繼續淨化海港的同時，將「維港渡海泳」作為香港一大品牌盛事繼續舉行，並邀請國內外泳手參加，為盛事之都增光添彩。
重視環保已成為世界潮流，各國政府紛紛制定有關法規，採取措施保護環境。一些昔日被嚴重污染的水域，如英國的泰晤士河及日本的水俁灣，經過綜合治理，水質有了明顯改善。香港的維港是典型的城市濱水空間，是城市中與海洋相毗鄰的地方，具有自然開放和公共活動多、功能複雜及歷史文化豐富等特徵。改善維港水質，還其優美、宜人、充滿生機的原貌，對改善港人生活的環境質素，提升香港對國內外遊客的吸引力，都是一件大好事。
Relaunching the Cross-harbour Swimming Race means a lot
After being suspended for 33 years, the cross-harbour swimming race was relaunched in the middle of last month. A total of 715 male and female swimmers joined the individual race and 95 teams took part in the team section. The revival of the cross-harbour swim is very meaningful because it not only reflects the remarkable results of water quality improvement in the Victoria Harbour, but also helps to promote swimming as a popular sport in Hong Kong. It contributes positively towards the construction of a quality living circle in a greener Greater Pearl River Delta region. Besides, relaunching the cross-harbour swimming race refreshes the collective memory of many Hong Kong people. Rekindling the competitive and enterprising spirit of Hong Kong that prevailed in the old days, the race encourages the residents here to revive their faith in the future of Hong Kong. While the HKSAR government carries on with the ongoing purification of the Victoria Harbour, it should at the same time continue holding the cross-harbour swimming race and as well invite swimmers from the mainland and overseas to take part. It can be an iconic event in Hong Kong, bringing more glamour to highlight Hong Kong as an events capital.
Environmental protection awareness is now a global trend as governments around the world promulgate laws and adopt measures to protect the environment. Some waters that were heavily polluted in the past, for example, the Thames of England and the Minamata Bay of Japan, has now seen remarkable improvement in their water quality after comprehensive treatments. The Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong is a typical urban waterfront where the city and the sea adjoin. It is a place characterized by its free and open atmosphere, countless public activities, multi-functionality and richness of historical and cultural features. Improving the water quality of the harbour, restoring its former beauty, pleasantness and vitality, is no doubt a good deed when it comes to upgrading the environmental conditions, not only to raise the quality of living of Hong Kong people but also to increase the attractiveness of Hong Kong to mainland and overseas tourists. ■Translation by 東明 tungming23@gmail.com
逢周五見報
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