Chat Time 46 - Destination review - Hong Kong

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Questions

1. What qualities does a good athlete possess?
   The qualities of a good athlete include having self-belief, discipline, concentration and determination. A good athlete is also able to control their emotions and is willing to learn new things.  

2. What  challenges and difficulties do Hong Kong athletes face?
   Hong Kong athletes face the problems of inadequate financial support and the lack of sports facilities. Their biggest challenge is the mainland immigrant athletes who have better training and skills.  

3. How can Hong Kong athletes be better supported in their sporting careers?
   The Government should provide direct financial assistance and offer awards to elite athletes which can help them concentrate on their training. Also, there should be more financial support for athletes to participate in major international events.

Individual Response

1. Do you want to be an athlete?
   I wish I could be a great athlete. But unfortunately I don’t have the right stuff to excel in a sport.

2. Do you think the government has done enough to promote sports overall?
    The Government can do much better in several areas. These include increasing funding, providing sufficient training venues, supporting elite sports, promoting sports in the community and developing Hong Kong into a prime destination for hosting major international sports events.

3. What advice would you give to a friend who would like to be a professional athlete?
  I would make him realize that it’s not easy to become a professional athlete. He must be not only extremely talented, but also extremely determined. He must possess the drive and ambition to keep him focused. This requires self-discipline and a strong will.

4. Why do some parents oppose their children being athletes?
  Most parents want their children to be successful in studies and go to university. They don’t want their children to become athletes because they think the life of being athletes is short and their social status is low.

5. Do you think physical education is done well at school?
   At present, most schools allocate only 2 lessons for physical education, which is highly insufficient. Schools should provide more physical activities during leisure time to help students develop an active lifestyle and develop their potential.