Study shows sports facilities growth not in line with population increase

A study commissioned by the Sports Bureau (ID) to the University of Macau last year concluded that sports facilities in the region have been growing at a slower rate than the population, which has led to extra pressure on existing sports facilities.

The study’s findings were presented by the ID at a press conference, where it was also noted that the study’s purpose was to survey local sports facilities to determine their current status so as to inform the creation of clear goals for future development.

The “Macau Sports Facilities Survey 2017” surveyed in loco the facilities around Macau in addition to collecting data regarding their occupation rate and requests for the use of their facilities.

According to the survey results, between 2011 and 2017, local sports facilities grew to a total of 92,714,39 square meters, a growth of 11.9 percent. During this same period, the population in the territory registered a growth of 16.8 percent, meaning that the sports facilities’ area per-capita reduced by 0.06 square meter per person.
The study additionally presents a number of suggestions to improve the status quo, such as the inclusion of sports infrastructure in the planning of new developments, as well as more general considerations in urban renewal and the rebuilding of several sports facilities within the new community areas.
At the press conference, the President of the ID, Pun Weng Kun, added that the Bureau has always sought to foster sporting conditions for the population and athletes, by providing adequate sports facilities and venues in order to meet the need for sports development, sports competitions, and sports for all.
In addition, the president noted that the ID is “actively monitoring the construction of the “Training Center for Competition Athletes” as well as the rebuilding of the Mong-Ha Sports Pavilion, adding that they will also strive to take up many of the study’s suggestions.

All of the data and recommendations have been forwarded by the ID to other relevant urban planning departments.  RM