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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) took part in a major equestrian event in Sydney today (April 20, Sydney time) to promote Hong Kong as a co-host city for the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events.
HKETO is a major sponsor of the "Australian Showjumping Championships". The four-day event is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in Australia held at the world-class Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
At the trophy presentation ceremony of the "HKETO Young Rider Australian Championship Grand Prix", Director of the HKETO, Ms Lorna Wong, said she was delighted to see so many talented riders from all over Australia to compete in today's event.
Ms Wong said Hong Kong has a long history of equine sports. Because of these and its world-class quarantine and equine care facilities, the city was very honoured to be chosen to co-host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian event.
Ms Wong added that meticulous planning and preparation have been undertaken in Hong Kong for this historic event. More than US$150 million 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 has a 100m x 80m all-weather sand arena as Main Competition Area. It will also have air-conditioned stables to accommodate 200 horses. As regards cross-country test for eventing, the venue 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, "The horses will find Hong Kong comfortable even in hot and humid weather."
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. "Hong Kong is often known to the world as a financial city. By hosting the Olympic 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," she added.
The Australian Showjumping Championships today is part of the HKETO's special promotional programme for the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Events. In the past two weeks, HKETO also participated in the South Australian State Show Jumping Championship held in Adelaide and the "Dressage and Jumping with the Stars" in Melbourne.
Ends/Sunday, April 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:19
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