The Police Officers Club (POC) and the Police Sports and Recreation Club (PSRC) were transformed into traditional Chinese culture villages earlier this month for two days of fun, entertainment and demonstrations of Chinese arts and crafts.

Over 10,000 visitors, including officers and their family members, flocked to POC and PSRC on March 9 and 10 respectively to enjoy the Chinese Culture Festival, jointly organised by the Personnel Services Branch and the Police Chinese Culture Club.

Connoisseurs of Chinese culture were able to indulge in numerous exhibitions and demonstrations staged by the Police Chinese Culture Club, the Police Handicraft Club, the Police Painting and Calligraphy Club, the Police Tea Art Club and the Police Wushu Club.

Members of various cultural clubs and guests especially put on Chinese traditional costumes to add colour to the event. Their beautiful costumes, together with the artistic handiwork and delicious Chinese traditional snacks found at the venues fascinated the visitors.

Other highlights of the festival were variety shows featuring spectacular performances by two performing groups from the Mainland, local pop singers and members of the Police Chinese Culture Club and the Police Wushu Club.

The two-day event was aimed at promoting Chinese culture and healthy lifestyle within the Force and raising fund for the Police Children's Education Trust and the underprivileged children in the Mainland.

Response to the sale of fund-raising raffle tickets was overwhelming as over $340,000 was raised.

Officiating at the festival dinner on March 9, Deputy Commissioner Management Dick Lee Ming-kwai said that the festival coincided with the Force's policy of promoting a culture of healthy lifestyle.

"Through participation in the festival, it is hoped that all officers and their families can learn more about Chinese culture and experience the advantages of a healthy lifestyle which is conducive to a happy family life," Mr Lee said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Police Chinese Culture Club Chairman Eric Choi Yan-sang expressed his thanks to the Management, the organising committee of the festival, colleagues from PS Branch and members of various clubs for their unfailing support for the event.