“2017 World Challenge Day” held jointly by the Sports Bureau and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, and co-organized by the Health Bureau took place on 31 May. With the active support from different governmental departments, organizations, enterprises, associations, schools and individuals in different fields, the number of participants reached 261,325 which constitutes 40.31% of Macao's total population. The city competing with Macao was Varna, Bulgaria - a city with the population of around 330,000. Some residents who had participated in the event stated that doing physical exercises is good for both physical and mental health, and said that we should make it a habit, rather than something we do on some particular days only. It is not only about competition either. The name “World Challenge Day” is merely a slogan. More importantly, public awareness of the importance of physical exercises was raised so that the habit of doing exercises continuously is nurtured and exercises should become part of our life. 

As always, the organizers held some activities in the square of Iao Hon Park and Senado Square to make the World Challenge Day more lively. The public sports facilities network administered by the Sports Bureau and the Taipa Waterfront Cycle Track and some of the recreational facilities of Hac Sa Reservoir Water Park administered by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau were opened for public use without charge during the periods for individual use.