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The following is issued jointly by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Architectural Services Department:
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (November 5) officiated at a ceremony to signal the commencement of construction of the cycling track at Tseung Kwan O Velodrome. The velodrome will be Hong Kong's first-ever indoor cycling facility and is due to open in late 2013.
Also officiating at today's ceremony were the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Leung Koon-kee; the Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jonathan McKinley; District Officer (Sai Kung), Ms Maureen Siu Mo-lin; Chairman of the Sai Kung District Council, Mr George Ng Sze-fuk; Deputy Secretary of the Hong Kong Cycling Association, Mr Hung Chung-yam; Head Coach of Hong Kong Cycling Team, Mr Shen Jin-kang; and representatives of Hong Kong Cycling Team, Mr Cheung King-wai and Miss Lee Wai-sze.
Located at Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O, the Velodrome under construction occupies an area of about 6.6 hectares. It is characterised by an exceptional oval, wavy rooftop design, drawing reference from the concept of the cycling athlete's helmet, signifying a perfect synthesis of the element of the sports and the architectural building.
The Velodrome comprises a 250-metre long wooden cycling track that meets international standards, a multi-purpose area, and a spectator stand that can accommodate an audience of 3,000 (including 2,000 permanent seats and 1,000 portable seats). Also available are facilities such as a doping control room, an event control room, changing rooms for athletes that can be flexibly dissembled and reassembled, a press conference room and a press room.
Upon completion, the Tseung Kwan O Velodrome will provide an indoor cycling track that meets international standards for training, holding competitions and preparation for major games by local athletes. Moreover, training courses will also be organised by the LCSD in conjunction with the Hong Kong Cycling Association to promote track cycling in Hong Kong.
In addition, the multi-purpose area in the Velodrome will provide the public with a venue for playing different types of ball games and holding community events. Other ancillary facilities in the Velodrome include a fitness room, multi-purpose activity rooms, a dance room, a children's playroom and more. It is expected that the completion of this major sports facility will help boost local people's interest in leisure and sports activities.
Ends/Monday, November 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:39
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