Impressing tourists mostly by its gaming industry, Macau now is going to jump at the Sports World.

In preparation for the 4th East Asian Games (EAG) which was held in October 2005, the Macau government upgraded its sports facilities to the required standards and refurbished stadiums for the biggest sporting event in its history by spending MOP$2.78 billion, while the Macau Dome alone is an investment of MOP640 million. The Macau government believes that Macau citizens would benefit from these facilities in the coming future.

A plan for the Macau Dome, Macau's most expensive new arena, is revised to include convention and exhibition areas and a theater. Recently, a skating rink is under construction inside the Macau Dome to prepare for the 2nd Asian Indoor Games in 2007. The other facilities will be utilized next year for the first Portuguese-speaking countries and territories games and the year after for the 2nd Asian Indoor Games.

The Head of the Macau 4th East Asian Games Organizing Committee (MEAGOC), Manuel Silverio, stated in the press conference that the investment increase from MOP50 million to MOP330 million for all the East Asian Games is due to the rise in administrative expenses for the facilities, utility expenses, the opening ceremony cost for those seven stadiums, promotional fees and the salaries of MEAGOC members.

"What we are spending here is on Olympic-standard equipment, IT technologies, marketing, these things all add up to make these games happen, to make them outstanding," said Ho, manager of the affiliated Bowling Center of the Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB).

"It's difficult to say at this time if we have victory or not. Somebody says the Macau government splashed out a lot of money to build the stadiums and facilities, but I'd rather say that it is the invisible benefits which all the public will gain in the coming future," Ho declared.

Ho said that the government is now talking over the plan of linking a direct bus line with the two Macau bus companies from Taipa to the Macau Dome. He believed more and more citizens will greatly benefit from those facilities and develop their enthusiasm for sports.

"Normally I spend two or three times a week to come here (the Bowling Center)," said Kinson, Chan Wai Kei, a postgraduate student of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering in Macau Polytechnic Institute. "It's quite difficult to make the booking especially during the weekend. Some parents bring their children here for holidays."

MSDB indicates through its website and public posters that all the buildings and facilities that were established for the East Asian Games are now open to the public. From February 2006, Macau citizens can make their reservation through MSDB's official website (www.sport.gov.mo).