The Macau Sport Development Board has been committed to popularising and promoting public sports. It often hosts various forms of sports activities to create more opportunities for public participation, while encouraging people to make good use of leisure time to exercise and be engaged in physical activity for better shape. To gather enthusiasts of ball games from different districts so that they could exchange their views and have friendly matches to promote unity and harmony, in October 2009 the Macau Sport Development Board and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau co-organised ‘Free Sports Ground’ ball games. They received an overwhelming response and were supported by ball games fans.
The 2014 Autumn ‘Free Sports Ground’ ball games on five Sundays between 14th September and 12th October, including basketball and football tournaments, all featured junior, juvenile and open categories. The ‘Free Sports Ground’ ball games in each district received enthusiastic response and support; players in district tournaments arrived at the venue for early preparation. During the tournament, all players did their best, displaying the spirit of unity and co-operation. The games were vigorous and intense, attracting the general public and residents in the neighbourhood to watch.A total of 1,281 players in 366 teams participated in the event. The ‘Free Sports Ground’ ball games competition enables youngsters in Macao to enjoy more opportunities to join ball games, in the hope of cultivating their interest in sports and increasing their understanding of ball games. It also offers an opportunity for sports associations to select talent as the foundation of future basketball and football development.
Through the ‘Free Sports Ground’ ball games competition residents are encouraged to participate more in sports activities during leisure time, hence increasing their interest in sports to form a life-long participation in sports. The organiser of physical activity seeks to improve public health, sustain Macao’s unique sports culture, provide opportunities to build friendships plus harmonious communion as well as foster community integration to showcase skills and cultivate teamwork spirit. The message that exercise can improve health can also be delivered.
