Abstract
There are enormous similarities between sport and culture. Researches have revealed the relationship between sports and culture and how close the intimacy is between them. Culture and its changes associated with the sports participation of an ethnic minority have not been paid a great attention. The purpose of this paper is to analyze immigration-related issues in recreational sports participation, particularly Chinese immigrants in Australia, and to what extent do they adapt themselves to the new life in Australia. This is to provide strategic guidance for the Queensland Olympic Council activities in relation to the local Chinese community by identifying their ethnic backgrounds and cultural changes which have a fundamental influence on behaviors of the local Chinese community and their sports participation. Three factors were identified as major factors which influence the sports participation of ethnic minority; social status, cultural variation and gender. The differences in sports participation of the Chinese are a function of an inferior economic situation. The inequality in resources allocation could be an important structural barrier for Chinese Australians and other ethnic minorities. The findings of this study suggest that the immigrants were assimilated into the society but looked for ways to preserve parts of their culture.