Foreigners have asked the Shanghai government for more space for sports activities. (Photo : www.china.org.cn)
In a recent survey conducted by the Shanghai University of Sport, a huge fraction of foreigners--54.55 percent--said that they are not satisfied with the amount of sidewalk available in the city.
Meanwhile, the dissatisfaction rate for the number of exercising facilities available at public parks stood at 45.46 percent.
The survey included more than 330 foreigners living in Shanghai.
Of the respondents, another 43.18 percent stated that there are not enough public venues for group sporting activities in the city such as basketball, football and badminton. Additionally, 27.27 percent remarked that the city government should make more spaces available for cycling for exercise and transportation purposes.
On a lighter note, many of the respondents said that the city's efforts to organize large-scale sports events and activities are laudable.
About 60 percent shared that they watch big sports events held in the city. Among the most followed events are the ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters and the Formula 1 China Grand Prix, both stood at 20.69 percent.
However, a quarter of the respondents said that the transportation services to the venues of the events should be improved.
The survey also showed that 30 percent spent at least a day in a week in gyms and swimming pools. Nonetheless, they complained about the venues' sanitary conditions.
The foreigners also suggested that more sports-themed parks should be built in Shanghai to attract more tourists, and to increase sports awareness especially among children.
Earlier in September, the local government committed to build more public sports facilities and develop industries about sports in a bid to make the city a "world famous sports city" in a decade's time.
