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On April 22, 2006, the winners of the 2006 World Leisure Innovation Prize received their awards as part of the day-long festivities marking the official opening of World Leisure EXPO. Each received a specially designed statuette of Chinese marble and a framed Certificate. The awards were presented by the Vice Mayor of Hangzhou City, Xiang Qin, and the Chair of the Innovation Prize Project, Dr. Karla Henderson.
For the six-month duration of EXPO, a multimedia presentation of each of the winning projects will be on display in the World@Leisure Pavilion in the World Leisure EXPO Garden.
The International Adjudication Panel of the First World Leisure Innovation Prize met in Hangzhou, China in late February to make their final selection. They are:
- City of Christchurch, New Zealand for the “Southern Centre Multi Sensory Facility”
- Emmanuel Foundation, Calgary, Canada for “Playgrounds in Contexts of Extreme Need”
- City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia for “The Strand ... a People’s Place”
- Zhejiang Province, China, Tourism Science Research Institute for “Tourism Planning for Hangzhou Xixi Wetland Comprehensive Conservation Area”
In addition, The Panel designated three entries as “Highly Commendable:”
- City of Brisbane, Australia for “Active and Healthy Lifestyle Program”
- Wuhan Sante Cableway Group Co., Wuhan, China for “The Old Villas of Lushan Mountain”
- Wuzhen Touring Development Co., Wuzhen, China for “Wuzhen: Creating Leisure Tourism in Chinese Original Ecological Ancient Town”
 Dr. Karla Henderson, Chair of the Panel and Project Director was impressed with the variety of entries and the emphasis that applicants placed on building sustainable social and environmental communities through leisure. She noted that the “The significance of leisure in sustainable community development is alive and well.”
Representatives of the winners have been invited to Hangzhou to be presented with their awards as part of the gala Opening Ceremony of the World Leisure EXPO on April 22. In the meantime, project details are available on the World Leisure website.
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Hangzhou Vice Mayor Xiang Qin, Karla Henderson, and Lindsey Keith |
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Founded in 1952, the World Leisure Organization is a world-wide, non-governmental association of persons and organizations dedicated to discovering and fostering those conditions best permitting leisure to serve as a force for human growth, development and well-being. World Leisure pursues these goals through education, research and informed advocacy.
The mission of the World Leisure is to promote leisure as integral to social, cultural and economic development. To advance this cause, the organization awards prizes that recognize extraordinary exemplars of innovative and sustainable efforts to achieve these ends. The Innovation Prize is one of several activities undertaken by World Leisure in conjunction with the World Leisure EXPO, including the 9th World Leisure Congress, expected to attract 3,000 delegates from October 15 to 20th, 2006.
(in alphabetical order)
The Emmanuel Foundation Playground Projects from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: The Emmanuel Foundation focuses on play for disadvantaged children around the world. The organization helps install playgrounds as catalysts for healthy child development and as opportunities for children to hone social and physical skills. Participation in the development of new playgrounds not only benefits children but often is accompanied by an increased sense of community pride. To date, the Foundation has been involved with, or the catalyst for, the installation of over 11 playgrounds in 8 countries. The formation of partnerships with the local communities is central in the success of this program. More information can be found at http://www.efoundation.ca
Southern Centre Multi-Sensory Facility from Christchurch City Council New Zealand: The purpose of the Centre is to promote the significance and validity of individual experiences in whatever form and at whatever level of leisure activity possible. The inclusive environment offers people with disabilities along with all community members the means to access a range of recreation and leisure opportunities. The staff at the Centre aim to empower individuals to make changes, stimulate creativity, and explore their worlds. The multi-sensory environment promotes therapeutic and educational experiences for all individuals and nurtures positive social environments. More information can be found at http://www.southerncentre.com
The Strand in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia: The Strand is a public amenity enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. It is unequivocal ly a “people’s place” with its broad pedestrian precinct, restaurants, and views. Nothing is like it in Australia, or perhaps throughout the world. The public pays nothing to enjoy the ambience of The Strand as it is a beachfront park, owned by the people. Highlights include water activities, a fishing platform, access for people with disabilities, a garden of remembrance, and a Hero’s Walk. It is alive with visitors and sightseers both day and night. Many community groups are active on The Strand with an estimated 1.6 million visitors a year. More information can be found at: http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about/strand/
Xi Xi Wetland Comprehensive Conservation Area sponsored by Tourism Planning for Hangzhou: Xixi is the only wetland in one of China’s larger cities. Many, many years ago, Xixi was famous for its water. Over the years, the ecological environment was destroyed. The Xixi Wetland Comprehensive Conservation Area has focused on restoring the ecology of the area and in protecting the cultural relics. The focus of the development of the wetland has been on combining ecology, culture, and leisure together as a form of sustainable development. Although the intent is to provide a wonderful tourist destination with cultural and entertainment activities, the Tourism Planning group is focused on managing the area for its environmental capacity. Further information can be found at www.xixiwetland.com.cn
CONTACTS:
World Leisure Innovation Prize: Chair.Leisureprize@worldleisure.org
City of Townsville: Narelle Mackaway - nzm@townsville.qld.gov.au | +61 7 4772 5851
City of Christchurch: Lindsey Keith: lindsey.keith@ccc.govt.nz | +64 03 941 7119
Emmanuel Foundation: Gary Debney: gary@cdcrecreation.com | +1 403 279 6003
Zhejiang Tourism Science Research Institute: Lina Sui: suisui1234567@163.com | +80 13516810504 |
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