Many sports-loving ordinary citizens participated in the third sports meeting for lottery buyers in Anhui province. It is time government sports departments provided sporting events for people to take part in, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

A little known local sports meeting held for lottery buyers could be held every four years and be even better each time because of the down-to-earth competition events and casual atmosphere, and the low entry threshold and the public's active participation. There are few sporting events designed for wide and real mass participation by the pubic.

Decades ago when it was difficult to even get a ticket to watch any sports, it was just empty words talking about the public taking part in sports. And it still seems natural that we distinguish between the spectators and the athletes at sports events.

For government sports departments at all levels, who have the responsibility and obligation to stage sporting events, their outdated mentality of only holding competitive events for gain should be changed. Social organizations who are capable of and interested in organizing sporting events should encourage people to participate and offer support.

Not all spectators will be satisfied with only watching sports, there are those who want to take part. Enabling them to do so would be a tangible measure to help improve people's health and fitness.

(China Daily 11/04/2013 page9)