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The following is issued on behalf of The Equestrian Company:
A competition to design fences for the 2008 Olympics showjumping event and also arouse and promote interest in the Olympics being held for the first time on Chinese soil was launched today (November 27).
The competition, organised by the Equestrian Company, was a unique chance for the Hong Kong community to showcase its ingenuity and love for both the motherland and Hong Kong, a panel of guests said.
Details of the Jumping Fence Design Competition, supported by the Bank of China (Hong Kong), were announced at a ceremony today.
Vice-President of the Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong) of Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad and President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Mr Timothy Fok, said the aim of the competition was to educate the Hong Kong public about the equestrian sport, and to induce them to appreciate both the beauty and excitement of equestrian competition.
He added jumping fences were a good way to promote the Hong Kong identity.
Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of Hong Kong (China), Mr He Guangbei, said that through the competition, the Hong Kong public could increase their knowledge of the equestrian sports, as well as Olympism which was the building of a harmonious society and promotion of world peace.
The competition was also a blending of the characteristics of sports, art and education, he added.
He said that since the parent company, Bank of China, was an official banking partner of the Beijing Olympics, Bank of China (Hong Kong) would contribute its part by supporting various Olympic activities.
Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Jumping Fence Design Competition and SF&OC Deputy Secretary-General, Mr Ronnie Wong, said jumping fences were an integral part of the visual enjoyment that the equestrian sport imparted to its spectators and they vividly displayed the cultural identity of the host countries.
He said jumping fences should convey the themes of the Beijing Olympics, which were "Green Olympics", "High-tech Olympics" and "People's Olympics", and the brand images of Hong Kong which included the attributes of "progressive", "innovative" and "cosmopolitan".
The competition, which is open to all, comprises three categories - Junior (for under 16), Senior (for 16 or above) and Professional.
Entry forms can be downloaded from the website:www.equestrian2008.org.
Cash prizes of $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000 will be awarded in each category.
Results will be announced on March 27, 2007.
Award-winning and finalists' works will be displayed in public.
Entries should be submitted together with the required documents by post or by hand to the Equestrian Company on the 37th floor of Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, on or before February 28, 2007.
Leaflets detailing the competition are available for collection from Bank of China (Hong Kong) branches.
Also officiating at today's function were the Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company, Mr Lam Woon-kwong; Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and President of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, Mr Simon Ip; Head of Olympic Office of Bank of China, Mr Xu Chen; Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs , Mrs Agnes Allcock and Principal Education Officer (Curriculum Development) of the Education and Manpower Bureau, Mr Benjamin Yung.
Ends/Monday, November 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:15
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