HKHA left flat by landfill proposal

THE Hong Kong Hockey Association will not be seeking designated space at the New Territories' landfill sites.

Association president Con Conway said the emphasis on developing local hockey on artificial astro turf negated such a move.

Landfill sites are being offered by the Government to national sports associations who may want to take advantage of the extra available space.

But Conway said: ''This is a fine Government initiative. But there is a warning involved in that landfills pose poisonous substance problems.

''It would take years to subside. And as we want to develop hockey on astro turf it would not be suitable for us.

''The surface would not be flat and we would not be able to play internationals or top matches.'' But he said the proposals would find favour with other sports, such as football, plus schools.

The Government consulted with more than 25 associations last month about the use of the landfills and are expecting answers before the end of July.

Meanwhile, the HKHA is hoping that the Sports Development Board will next year provide money for a full-time coach.

Their ultimate goal is to one day hire a national coach, but Conway said they may first have to initially settle for a coaching executive to introduce the sport to Chinese schools.

Said Conway: ''We are trying to get someone, possibly from China, who has recently retired but is a qualified coach.

''He would be responsible for introducing the sport into schools, setting up under-15 and other junior teams from which a national coach can build upon.'' Conway said he has been asking the Government for funds to employ a national coach for more than seven years.

He is hoping that the SDB approves his request for their 1995 budget.