Top sports official Terry Smith added his voice to the "chorus of disapproval" over delays in funding approval for the proposed Kai Tak sports hub, highlighting the irony of what he called "political bloody-mindedness," according to Alvin Sallay of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Smith, a member of the Sports Commission, "urged Legco members to approve government's request" for HK$62.7M ($8M) for pre-construction work on the Kai Tak Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Smith said that "without the money the government would not be able to estimate the final cost of the multibillion-dollar project, which includes a 50,000-seater stadium with retractable roof." For an accurate estimate, the project "will need, among other things, a quantity surveyor's financial study." Smith said, "There are elements within Legco who are blocking this process by filibustering. They seem to enjoy opposing the government on everything and they should stop this at once for Hong Kong needs a new stadium soon" (SCMP, 4/23). In Hong Kong, Chan Kin-wa wrote Hong Kong's sports community "demanded no more delays." Former badminton int'l Amy Chan Lim-chee said that "the sports community could wait no longer." Chan: "It's now a critical moment as we can't wait any more." Chan's plea was echoed by former rower Fay Ho Kim-fai, who is now the deputy secretary general of the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation. Ho: "There is a shortage of sports facilities in Hong Kong, especially for school sports as we have to compete with many other national sports associations." Hong Kong football team captain Chan Wai-ho said that "they need a well-equipped stadium." He said, "The location of the Hong Kong Stadium is not ideal as there is no public transport access. If we can build a better stadium in Kai Tak with support facilities such as food, beverage and recreational activities, it can attract more fans and stage more international competitions against quality overseas teams" (SCMP, 4/23).
