Not enough time, say the unsporty
At least 60 per cent of Hongkongers do not play sports regularly, a survey has revealed.
The survey - 'How Active is the Hong Kong Public?' - was conducted by Hong Kong Baptist University's department of physical education and commissioned by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). About 1,200 people aged 15 or over were interviewed by telephone from April 2-10.
About 60 per cent of the respondents did not take part in regular sports activities, the findings showed. The main reasons were a lack of time and interest in sports and the difficulty of visiting a sports venue.
Hongkongers who played sports regularly would be more cheerful, the survey revealed.
The researchers hoped to determine the age groups who took part in leisure-time physical activities and the type of activity they favoured.
The survey was also aimed at arousing public awareness about the physical and mental development of individuals.
The respondents were interviewed on their sporting habits, including the frequency and type of sport they played, the difficulties they encountered while participating in the activity and their feelings afterwards.
It was found that male respondents aged 15 to 24 and 55 to 65 participated in sports the most, while female interviewees between 25 and 34 were the least involved.
To promote sports among the public, the SF&OC and Bank of China have jointly organised a programme to mark the conclusion of the Festival of Sport on Sunday.
The Hong Kong College of Cardiology and Hong Kong Dancesport Association have been invited to perform dancesport and a rope-skipping show involving more than 1,000 people. Skipper Z, the winners of the World Rope Skipping Championship, will also join the activity. More than 1,000 people, wearing colourful costumes, will perform a mass dance.
Other performers include TVB artists and a marching band. The public is encouraged to take part in rope skipping and dancesport.
'Sport for All' will be held on Sunday from 3pm-5.30pm at Kowloon Park
