There is still time to foster the Olympic spirit in Hong Kong

Comments by tourists regarding the lack of an Olympic atmosphere in Hong Kong have surfaced again, following the recent visit by Vice-President Xi Jinping .

That Hong Kong people do not show as much enthusiasm for the Olympic Games as people across the border is understandable.

Unlike residents of Qingdao , one of China's six Olympic satellite cities, who are well versed with the surfing sport, Hong Kong people are unfamiliar with the equestrian events. It is difficult to impose a zest for an alien sport on the community, given the piecemeal publicity efforts made. But then what has happened to the high spirits demonstrated by Hong Kong people during the Olympic torch relay that took place here in May? Are we now totally nonchalant?

Surely, our patriotic feelings should be tapped to inspire a sense of pride in Hong Kong's participation in the Games? Too little has been done by the administration to 'light the passion' of the local population.

With about three weeks to go before the opening of the Beijing Olympics, it is still possible with the help of professional spin doctors, to launch a publicity campaign.

Let the 'one world, one dream' slogan and the Olympic mascots appear more prominently in Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay and The Peak; let the theme song We are Ready, preferably with an additional Cantonese version, be broadcast more often at public transport terminals and vehicles. More television adverts should be run to promote the Games. The administration should rally the support of businesses, public utilities and the mass media to infiltrate the Olympic message into the community at minimal cost.