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Hong Kong﷿s historic role as a co-host city for the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in 2008 is warmly acknowledged by hundreds of guests attending a major equestrian event in Adelaide today (April 6, South Australia time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Sydney and the Hong Kong﷿Australia Business Association (South Australia Chapter) jointly sponsored the 䩕Equestrian Federation of Australia (South Australia) Inc South Australian State Show Jumping Championship蒅, one of the most prestigious, dynamic and engaging equestrian events held annually in South Australia.
Presenting the trophy to the winner of the 䩕Champion Senior Rider Cup蒅, Director of the HKETO in Sydney, Ms Lorna Wong, congratulated the Equestrian Federation of Australia (South Australia) Inc on its success in holding the event.
Ms Wong said Hong Kong has a long history of equine sports. The city was very honoured to be chosen to co-host the Olympics and Paralympic Equestrian event because of its world-class quarantine and equine care facilities.
Ms Wong added that meticulous planning and preparation have been undertaken in Hong Kong for this historic event. A total of US$150 million (about HK$1.2 billion) has been invested on the development of new facilities and amenities, including purpose-built competition venues, training facilities, stables and an equine clinic.
The dressage and eventing venue in Sha Tin has a 100m x 80 m all-weather sand arena as Main Competition Area, for a capacity of 18,000 spectators. It will also have air-conditioned stables which accommodate 200 horses. As regards cross-country test for eventing, the venue in Beas River has a 5.7-km cross-country track, as well as a warm-up area, a cool down area with misting fans and a stable block for 80 horses.
Ms Wong said,䩕As you can see, the horses will find Hong Kong comfortable even in a hot and humid weather.蒅
Ms Wong extended invitation to guests to come to Hong Kong as competitors or spectators and share the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and fair play. 䩕Hong Kong is often known to the world as a financial city. By hosting the Olympics and Paralymic Equestrian events, we wish the world to know Hong Kong for its sportsmanship and vibrancy, a great place to host world class sports events ,蒅 she added.
At today﷿s function, banners promoting Hong Kong as a co-host city for the Olympic Equestrian Events were displayed at the event venue and souvenirs were given away to athletes and spectators.
The office is going to sponsor two more major equestrian events in Melbourne and Sydney in April to promote the Olympic Equestrian Events to be held in Hong Kong.
Ends/Sunday, April 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:15
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