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More than two-thirds of people across Asia Pacific are planning to watch what is anticipated to be one of the most spectacular opening
ceremonies in the history of the Olympic Games, according to a recent survey commissioned by
Visa.
With 69% of people planning to watch the extravaganza, the opening ceremony appears to have universal appeal across various
demographics. It is as popular among women (71%) as with men (67%) and married people (70%) as with singles (65%).
Richard Chang, Visa’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Greater China and the Philippines said, “Given the widespread
enthusiasm for this year’s opening ceremony, combined with the highly auspicious date – 8 August 2008 at 8.00 p.m. – marking the start of the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, this is certain to be a curtain raiser like no other. A few weeks ago those passing by the National Stadium were
treated to a small glimpse of what to expect when fireworks lit up the night sky. One can only imagine what we’ll see in two day’s time!”
This high level of interest bodes well for the coming Games, which traditionally attracts billions of viewers. A record-breaking 3.9 billion watched
the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, while 3.6 billion watched the Sydney 2000 Olympic
Games.
The Opening Ceremony tops the list of what Indians and Malaysians want to watch at these Games: more than nine in 10 Malaysians and four
out of five Indians planned to watch that evening’s celebration.
The Opening Ceremony came in second place behind specific sports events as the mostly likely to watch Olympic Games event in Australia (83%), Hong Kong (77%), New Zealand (81%) and Taiwan (58%).
Koreans (88%) and Singaporeans (82%) said they preferred to watch specific sports events above all else, followed by medal tally
updates (77% each). The Opening Ceremony rounds out their top three with three-quarters of Singaporeans and more than two-thirds of
Koreans saying they intend to watch.
Chang said, “The Opening Ceremony is a spectacular event that represents the true essence of the Olympic Games. It is unique in that it appeals
to every type of viewer, men or women, adult, child, single or married, no matter where in the world they may be.”
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