I refer to your reader Bett Winner's letter headlined 'Pointless Lessons' (South China Morning Post, February 15). In order to stimulate interest in exercise and physical fitness, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department introduced the Gold Card Fitness Scheme. To become eligible for the scheme, one must be aged 18 and above and with proven competence in using the modern fitness equipment in a safe and correct manner in our fitness rooms. To attain this level of proficiency, members of the public may attend a Fitness Multi-Gym Course. A minimum attendance of 75 per cent is required before taking an Assessment for the award of a Fitness Gold Card. Competent users of fitness equipment like your reader, Bett Winner, may attend a single session assessment for the award of the Fitness Gold Card. Regular assessment sessions are organised and the dates and venues are shown each month in our Community Recreation and Sports Programme, which is free from our counter offices and major recreation venues. I regret that Mr Winner has the misunderstanding that attending a class was the only way to acquire the Fitness Gold Card. In order to let people understand more about the scheme, there are new posters and leaflets at major leisure and cultural services venues. JOANNE FU for Director of Leisure and Cultural Services
