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The leisure dividend

Does the government realise how much Hong Kong has changed? Perhaps last Sunday's marathon and next month's Literary Festival can help officials see more clearly so they will be more open to resetting priorities. When people think about Hong Kong, they probably don't see it as a sports-minded community. But how is it, then, that the annual marathon has grown every year to the more than 51,000 competitors this year? The government clearly likes the fact that the event is popular, and seems keen to help increase entries in the future. While the winners are top-class athletes from around the world, the vast majority of competitors are locals, ranging from young people to quite a number of elderly runners.

How is Hong Kong encouraging sports? Actually, do government officials understand why there is a surge of interest among local people in distance running? There is a pretty lively triathlon community in Hong Kong, and also many serious hikers. Just look at the popularity of the annual MacLehose Trailwalker. Perhaps officials can examine whether the right policy attitudes and facilities exist to encourage these sports. Indeed, what other sports are getting more popular?

We must not forget the amazing Rugby Sevens tournament that takes place every March, which has a powerful international draw and puts Hong Kong on the map. It has been assumed for years that it is a gweilo event because local Chinese don't play rugby. That's no longer true. Young players are local, and rugby is now played on the mainland, which fields a team for the Sevens. It is a great game that could probably attract more youngsters if schools had decent playing areas.

Running and walking are easy to get into; you don't need a lot of gear or special facilities. Our city is blessed with easily accessible country parks and hilly terrain. Other sports are more difficult because you need facilities and training. Team sports, like soccer, rugby and hockey are really fun but, unless you have played as a youngster, you are unlikely to take them up as an adult. If more schools had sports facilities and these field sports were encouraged, I bet they would become much more popular.

For adults, let's not forget how popular golf is becoming. This also used to be a gweilo sport, but that is definitely not true today. How about rock climbing? Our city has the most wonderful outdoors for tough or even extreme sports. Have we looked at the opportunities? The government is setting up geoparks in recognition of Hong Kong's fantastic geological features, so how should we make use of these assets while protecting them at the same time?

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is also not known for its literary prowess yet we have the terrific annual Literary Festival, where top authors visit the city to discuss their work. Last year's festival focused on Islam, Asia and the modern world. While the authors on the whole write in English, there is no reason to assume there can't be an equally popular event in Chinese - should someone have the vision to create one. Indeed, when I went to a talk last year by a local historian on his research into the 19th-century compradors, the room was packed.

We are creative beings with several types of intelligence - including physical, which is why we like movement and, hence, enjoy sports and dance. Great cities are hubs for activities, including sports and the arts.

Hong Kong can showcase its countryside and waterways to the world for its sporting potential. So, while Singapore and Shanghai, for example, host Formula One racing, and they can definitely organise marathons, Hong Kong's combination of mountains and water allow us to do some unique things. The vision of those who created the Rugby Sevens gave us an edge; the hosts of the literary festival should be commended, too.

Now that we know money isn't everything, the government should forget about building bridges and highways and look instead at life-enhancing activities for the people.

Christine Loh Kung-wai is chief executive of the think-tank Civic Exchange

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