Young people in Hong Kong are slowly tuning into a global sports culture, according to a Sports Development Board (SDB) official.
The results of a new study, commissioned by the SDB, show that participation in sport is on the rise, and as in the past, the 15 to 24 age category is clearly exercising more than anyone else.
The survey conducted by the University of Hong Kong found that of the 3,200 people interviewed, 65 per cent of the 15- to 24-year-olds had taken part in some form of deliberate exercise in the past three months. Next was the 25 to 34 age category, which rated 52 per cent, followed by the 65-plus group with 49 per cent.
'We're seeing an infusion of interest in Hong Kong - it is the impact of globalisation,' said SDB research manager Julien Dedman.
Despite the study showing that more than half of Hong Kong people do not play sport on a regular basis, the message that sport is healthy seems to be getting through to the younger generation.
Students' access to facilities, and timetables which include regular sports activity, are seen as the main factors in the high rate of participation in the category.
'Time available is certainly a big factor,' said Dedman, 'but I'm also convinced that the wide media coverage of big sports events, like the (soccer) World Cup and Olympics, is changing young people's attitude towards sport.'