Letters | Olympic win-win for Hong Kong business and youth

Readers discuss what the 2024 Paris Olympics mean for the city, the use of Chinese tech at the games, and language awareness in Hong Kong

Reading Time:3 minutes

People watch the Paris Olympics and cheer for Hong Kong athletes in a mall in Tseung Kwan O on July 27. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 11:30am, 31 Jul 2024Updated: 4:23pm, 31 Jul 2024

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The 2024 Paris Olympics are officially under way, and Hong Kong athletes are once again competing in the greatest international sports arena. Undoubtedly, the Hong Kong delegation’s supporters at home will cheer thunderously for the Olympians.

Aside from familiar faces like fencing gold medallist Cheung Ka-long and silver medallist swimmer Siobhan Haughey, first-timers like cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing and swimmer Cindy Cheung Sum-yuet are among the new blood that sorely need our support. Watching the games on television is an obvious choice, but venturing into shopping malls where competitions are shown on humongous screens is another option.

Being able to witness exhilarating sporting events featuring our favourite athletes while cheering for them with a group of like-minded fans is a uniquely memorable experience trumped by nothing else. The positive vibe, enthusiasm and excitement will uplift everyone, regardless of their level of passion for or interest in sports.

The influx of fans will boost foot traffic at shopping malls and hopefully the revenue of retailers and restaurants alike. Perhaps businesses can capitalise on the Olympic fever and roll out relevant themes or merchandise to incline customers to spend. Having staff dress in Olympic-themed clothing may attract shoppers too.

Parents can spend quality time with children by watching the Olympics with them. Tech-savvy kids now are often criticised for their sedentary lifestyle, with their eyes glued to screens. What better way to teach kids to snub their phones and relish high-octane team sports requiring athleticism such as basketball and football, as well as individual competitions like gymnastics and emerging events such as breakdancing?