A recent survey shows strong public support for increased government backing of local athletes, following Hong Kong athletes’ impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, which concluded on Sunday.
The survey, conducted by the Hong Kong Research Association, polled 1,014 adults during the second week of the Paris Olympics, from Aug 5 to Sunday.
Around 80 percent of the respondents said they are satisfied with the Hong Kong, China delegation’s medal haul of four, including two gold medals, from fencers Edgar Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai, alongside two bronze medals, won by swimmer Siobhan Haughey.
About 78 percent of respondents said they believe the Hong Kong, China team’s accomplishments have helped to enhance social cohesion within the city.
In light of the public recognition and appreciation of local athletes, the association urged the government and stakeholders to capitalize on the Olympic fervor to cultivate a strong sports culture and encourage healthier lifestyles among Hong Kong residents.
It also expected a positive feedback loop of international sports success and robust public support to push for sustainable sports development.
Moreover, 84 percent of surveyed people voiced their support for the government to allocate more resources to nurturing and elevating the competitive abilities of Hong Kong’s athletes.
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While two-thirds of respondents said they would support their children’s chasing their sporting dreams, concerns remained regarding financial stability, the uncertainty of success, and educational priorities that may deter children from pursuing professional sports careers.
To address future concerns for athletes, Jerry Yung Long-chin, a former Hong Kong table tennis player who manages a sports training company, pointed to the need for retirement plans for full-time athletes.
Yung said that those with potential sporting talent often shy away from pursuing sports professionally because of uncertain career prospects. He suggests the government create more post-retirement positions to facilitate a smoother transition for athletes.
Jim Luk Tze-chung, associate professor of the Department of Sports and Recreation at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, suggested the development of “second careers” for full-time athletes.
He proposed partnerships with educational institutions to provide scholarships and flexible study options for full-time athletes, enabling them to further
their education while continuing their sports pursuits.
Lobo Louie Hung-tak, a senior lecturer of the Department of Health and Physical Education at the Education University of Hong Kong, stressed the importance of comprehensive recovery strategies to help injured athletes return to elite competitions, so there would be less chance of competitors prevented from furthering their careers due to injuries.
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Louie also called for enhancing the city’s sporting facilities to encourage broader participation in sports and to promote overall fitness, especially among young people.
Contact the writers at stephyzhang@chiandailyhk.com
