Off Beat

Dowman Road Race 1998

THE Dowman Road Race once again proved to be the major running event of the season with 1,090 runners taking part. That's about 100 more competitors than the previous record set in 1997.

The turnout last month is positive proof that more and more police officers and civilian staff are taking a keen interest in keeping fit and living a healthy lifestyle.

Airport Security Unit's superfast Wong Wing-kuen prevailed in the annual Dowman Road Race with an incredible time of 41: 05, leaving most of the pack eating his dust.

His victory in the 12-kilometre course gave him a clean sweep of the Force's major running titles this season after wins in the gruelling Nine Dragons Race last month and the Force Cross Country title in November.

Second across the line was PTS runner Ho Kam-fuk who finished the course in 41:29 (also winner in the men veterans I), while third home was PTU HQ's Sgt Leung Yat (43:38).

Andy Gidley, after clinching the invitation senior in last month's Nine Dragons Race, won the men's seniors event again this time in 43:54.

Second place in the men's seniors went to another consistently good runner Ko Fuk-ming from Central District (45:24), while third went to PTU HQ's Ssgt So Kwan-yiu (46:35).

Ho Kam-fuk from PTS won the title in the men's veteran I. Second home was Ssgt Lo Wai-keung from Eastern District (46:50), while Sgt Tang Kwok-ming from Marine Port District was third (47:20).

The men's veterans II event was won by MNDIV's Sgt Lai Wah-kwan (51:44), who was followed home by Border District's Mak Yu-tin (52:42), with Tai Yan-keung from PTU HQ third (52:54).

The men's veterans III title went to Sgt Leung Wai-yin from PTS in a time of 52:11, with PTU Inspector Kwok Ping-tong second (52:20), and Ssgt Cheung Kwok-keung from Central in third (55:22).

In the women' s open title, Chan Sui-yi from Central won the event again in 52:51, with Yiu Cheung-wan from PTU HQ finishing second (55:17), and Lantau's Wong Yin-yee completing the course in 58:02.

The women's senior title went to Chan Kwok-lin from Central (55:21). Her nearest rival in the category was WSP Elsie Wong Mui-kit from PTU HQ (56:09), while Lam Kai-dik from Mong Kok District in third (1:02:28).

A group of the record 1,090 Dowman runners strain their way uphill towards the finish line

12 kilometres later, one of the Dowman runners takes a well-earned rest

They made it! Two race competitors re-hydrate themselves after the race

DCP MAN Tsang Yam-pui presents the Mike Watson Cup to eldest Dowman Runner, CSP K G Wallis

SPORTING NOTES

HKP TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS 1997/1998
The Hong Kong Police Singles/Doubles Tennis Championships 1997/1998 start on 7 March 98 at the PTS Tennis Courts. The competition is open to all serving or retired regular, auxiliary and civilian officers, and their spouses and children under the age of 21. Deadline for entries is 28 Feb(Sat). Entry forms can be obtained from the reception counters of POC and PSRC. Entry fee for singles is $60 per entry for Police Tennis Club members, $80 per entry for non-members and $40 per entry for children. Doubles events are $80 per entry for Police Tennis club members and $100 per entry for either one or both player(s)of the pair who is/are non-member(s). All entry forms together with a crossed cheque payable to 'Police Tennis Club' are to be returned to Cheung Chun-por, CIP c/o Happy Valley Police Station. Enquiries CIP Cheung Chun por: 2835-5201 or WSGT Au Suk-yee:2529-1349.
FORCE PARTICIPATION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WALK FOR CHARITY '98
The third Civil Service walk for Charity will be held on Sunday 15 March at 9am.The fundraiser for the Community Chest is a pleasant 7.5K walk starting and finishing at the Shatin Park. The event , which takes about 2.5 hours to complete and is suitable for all ages ,will be officiated by the Chief Executive. In the previous two walks, the Force won both the "Highest Fund Raising" and the "Highest Number of Participants" awards. Participation by all police is therefore encouraged to help maintain the Force's excellent records. Participating officers should seek as much sponsorship and supports as possible. Sponsor forms are available from the Sports and Recreation Division. Call SIP Angela Kwok: 2804-1133; or SIP Kenny YEUNG: 2804-1126.
CHAIRMAN'S CUP KNOCK-OUT VOLLEYBALL COMPETITION
Is scheduled to be held from 12 February and every Thursday thereafter at PSRC Indoor Sports Hall until the final playoff. The games will be played in knock-out system. No entry fee is required. Enquiries: CIP Sin Chi-sing, 2731-7226.
1998 RUGBY SEVENS ASSISTANCE IN POLICING BY INSPECTORATE OFFICERS
Sixteen plainclothes teams, each commanded by an inspectorate officer ,will be deployed withing the Hong Kong Stadium for the 1998 Rugby Sevens from 27 March to 29 March inclusive. The teams will be responsible for dissuading unacceptable behaviour, identifying unruly fans, assisting stewards in evicting such people if necessary and to prevent ticket scalping .In addition, two CIPs are also required to oversee the teams. All interested offices are requested to contact DVC HVDIV on 2835-520,or ADVC OPS HVDIV on 2835-5230for more details.
POLCE TAE KWON DO ANNUAL COMPETITION
Will be held on 22 March at the Police Sports and Recreation Club. The competition is open to all serving officers, auxiliaries and civilian staff (male and female). Deadline for entries is 21 February. Entry forms can be obtained from the Police Tai Kwon Do Club at the PSRC on Mondays from 8pm to 9:30pm,or Fridays from 6:30pm to 8pm. Entry fee is $50 per person. Enquiries; Rocky Tse Leung-wah: 2860-3413.
NEW AIRPORT MARATHON AND 10 KM RACE
Sponsored by the Standard Chartered Band, the New Airport Marathon and 10 Km Race will take place on 22 February. Enquiries: 2577-0800.
POLICE AMATEUR BODYBUILDING AND POWERLIFING CLUB
As of last Monday, the Arsenal House 4/F fitness training room has been closed for maintenance to the floor and for minor building work. The work may require three weeks to complete, and users will be informed of the progress. Consequently the Police Amateur Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Club will suspend its training programme utill renovations are completed, which are expected to be in mid-March. Enquiries: Lau Chi-Keung, SSP NB: 2860-8901.
SELECTION OF TRACK&FIELD ATHLETES FOR WORLD POLLICE &FIRE GAMES 1999
The Police Athletic Club (PAC) needs to develop potential competitors to represent the Force in the next World Police & Fire Games to be held in Stockholm in 1999. A Gidley, SIP SW, is appointed as the World Police &Fire Game (1999) Tack &Field co-ordinator to nominate a list of athletes to represent the PAC .The co-ordinator is responsible to monitor the standard of performance and training of potential athletes until July 1999, and then recommend suitable competitors for the consideration of the Police Sports Council. Any full-time trained police officers who are interested in the competition may contact the chairman of the Police Athletic Club. Stuart McDouall (2814-4202), or the game co-ordinator, A Gidley (2860-3217).