Elite athletes gaining recognition: survey
A new survey shows that public recognition of Hong Kong's elite athletes has increased over the past five years.
Studies were conducted by the Social Science Research Centre of the University of Hong Kong following the last two Asian Games in 1998 and 2002 and a comparison of the findings shows attitudes are changing.
Selected at random, a total of 1,771 Hong Kong residents aged 10 and over were interviewed by telephone. The 2002 survey indicated that 67 per cent of the population believes that it is 'important for them personally' that Hong Kong athletes do well in international sports. A further 16 per cent felt it is 'very important' - nearly double the 1999 level of 9 per cent.
The surveys also show a growing recognition of the Asian Games and the accomplishments of Hong Kong's athletes at those showpiece events.
Following a record haul of 21 medals by Hong Kong athletes at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, 32 per cent of the respondents indicated an awareness of the Games by identifying them as a major international event.
As for the awareness of medals and medallists, some 15 per cent of respondents were able to correctly recall the number of medals local athletes won in 2002, compared to 12 per cent in 1999.
About 73 per cent correctly identified windsurfer Lee Lai-shan as one of the gold medallists at the 2002 Games.
Dr Chung Pak-kwong, of the Hong Kong Sports Development Board (SDB), said the survey revealed that the SDB's efforts in developing both national sports associations and athletes themselves is well supported by the public.
'It proves that the foundation for the support of elite athletes does exist. By continuing to promote sport and support top athletes, Hong Kong's sporting culture can be enhanced,' said Dr Chung, director of elite training and sports development at the SDB.
