The survey says: China expects successful Games

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The Beijing Social Facts and Public Opinion Survey Center has surveyed the population and reports ‘overwhelming’ support among Chinese citizens for the Beijing Games that open on Aug. 8.

More than 90% of those polled in recent months ‘think the Summer Games will be successful, and nearly 70% predicted the event will speed up Beijing’s development, help its image, or increase national coherence,’ according to the New China news agency.

The survey also says that most Beijing residents plan to stay in town when the Games are under way, with 20% planning to watch matches live at a venue.

Most Beijing residents will take buses, subways or their bicycles to get around. And, in a city that clearly loves internal combustion, the center found ‘overwhelming support’ for strict vehicle use controls in place to reduce pollution and traffic.

Two other bits of information: Two-thirds of those polled will celebrate with a banquet at home or in a pub if Chinese athletes win gold medals, and 10% of those surveyed plan to use their cell phones to call or send text messages to China’s sports authorities when the hometown team excels.

-- Greg Johnson

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