In line with the recent introduction of Physical Fitness and Health Management by the Force, New Territories North Region set up a "NTN Regional HQ Physical Fitness and Health Management Committee" last month to thrash out directions and strategies for promoting a culture of recreation and sports among NTN RHQ staff, including both disciplined and civilian officers.

The committee, chaired by Superintendent (Administration) Yip Kin-chau, comprises representatives from Crime, Operations, Administration, Traffic and civilians at NTN RHQ. Following detailed discussions and deliberations, the committee concluded that it is paramount to raise officers' awareness of Physical Fitness and Health Management, help them choose suitable activities and set achievable targets. The committee also highlighted the following measures:

(1) To identify and appoint "Physical Fitness and Health Management Ambassadors" in each formation to help promote Physical Fitness and Health Management;

(2) To strengthen a partnership among the management, officers and police sports and arts clubs;

(3) To launch the "NTN RHQ Physical Fitness and Health Management Award Scheme" and encourage officers to participate in sports and healthy lifestyle activities;

(4) To formulate suitable indicators and a recording system to measure the progress and effectiveness of implementation of Physical Fitness and Health Management;

(5) To intensify existing sports and healthy lifestyle activities by better utilising the facilities and resources inside and outside the Force;

(6) To promote popular activities with local characteristics, e.g. hiking, cycling and smoke-free days, and

(7) To strengthen existing channels to provide comprehensive information on health and related activities.

The "Physical Fitness and Health Management Ambassadors" will play co-ordinating and supporting roles by co-operating with other formations to promote the concept of Physical Fitness and Health Management. Officers participating in the "NTN RHQ Physical Fitness and Health Management Award Scheme" will sign "My Action Charter" to commit themselves to encouraging their colleagues to regularly participate in physical fitness and healthy lifestyle activities. The Charter signers will keep track of their own activities in "My Action Diary". At the end of each year, the committee will present awards as recognition of officers' achievements.

NTN Regional Commander Cheung Siu-wah officiated at the launching ceremony of the "NTN RHQ Physical Fitness and Health Management Award Scheme" at the Tai Po Waterfront Park on September 19, and presented certificates to the appointed Physical Fitness and Health Management Ambassadors.

Mr Cheung was the first to sign "My Action Charter" to show his determination to engage his officers in Physical Fitness and Health Management. The launching ceremony came to a climax when officers, led by Mr Cheung, started running from the park to NTN RHQ to mark the beginning of the award scheme.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Mr Cheung told officers they could formulate their own Physical Fitness and Health Management in accordance with their personal interests, abilities and shift patterns.

The run signals the beginning of the NTN RHQ Physical Fitness and Health Management Award Scheme