From 'Vegas of East' to a city of bolder dreams
By Herman Wong (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-28 05:51

As chairman of the 4th East Asian Games Organizing Committee Ltd, Manuel Silverio has had ample opportunity to spread his overwhelmingly positive message of what the Games mean to Macao: raising the international profile of a city that has made many economic strides in recent years, the event is a chance to further invigorate the city with new facilities and bolder dreams, namely to reconfigure itself from merely a gambling island to an attractive destination for international events in Asia.

And the word on the streets of Macao, from students to retirees, is surprisingly similar to official voices, as random sampling found that people generally talked about the favourable elements of this massive investment by the city and also of what they think of the Games in general.

Ms Liu, 18, a student, echoed Silverio's sentiment that hosting the East Asian Games will bolster international awareness and the reputation of Macao.

This opinion was shared by Mr Winson Wong, in his 30s, who thinks that the Games will have a definite effect on the city's economy and could help the city attract foreign investment, and Mr Lee, a retiree, who expects Macao's tourism industry to benefit from the Games.

Then there are Ms Cheung, a secretary, and a young woman named Jennifer, who teaches English as a second language and has lived in Macao for nine years.

Ms Cheung felt "there could possibly be a bump in tourism but it won't be very significant".

Jennifer seemed to believe that the Games will have a positive effect on Macao, but wasn't sure what it will mean for the future of the city.

"I think the event has given a lot of people jobs around here," she said. "I don't know what will happen after the Games, but I know there's been quite a few facilities made and they hope to use them afterwards. I think it's good. It'll be interesting to see what happens after the Games."

As for now, she will make the most of the event, with tickets to basketball, gymnastics, swimming and track and field competitions. Her friend, Ms Cheung, is eyeing many of the same events, adding that "Macao will probably take great interest in the opening ceremony but will pay less attention to the actual events".

Mr Lee says he is not particularly interested in any of the events, but Mr Wong would like to see some of the sports where Chinese Olympic medallists are to compete.

And then there is teenager Ms Liu. She says that track and field and diving head her list.

However, as Macao endeavours to familiarize the world with its name, Ms Liu acknowledges that she doesn't know much about the home team.

(China Daily 10/28/2005 page16)