First Olympic horses arrive in Hong Kong
The first 32 of 229 Olympic horses from seven countries arrived in Hong Kong July 26 and were transported to the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue stables in Sha Tin. The remaining equine athletes were expected to arrive in subsequent days.
Inspecting the horse-transport arrangement, Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said he is delighted with the seamless process, including quarantine checks, transportation and immigration and customs procedures for accompanying personnel.
“The smooth operation … demonstrates the prudent and careful preparatory work done by various government departments and relevant organizations, such as the Equestrian Company, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Airport Authority,” said Mr. Tsang.
“The safety of the horses and their welfare is one of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s top priorities. It is also a great challenge for us,” he noted. “I am confident that transportation of other horses in the coming few days will also be carried out smoothly and safely … to enable the horses to compete in their best condition.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company Lam Woon-kwong also was delighted with the arrangements for the horses’ arrival, adding that all involved in preparation for the competition are officially in “Olympic mode.”
Mr. Lam said 2007’s trial experience was useful in getting Hong Kong prepared for all conditions, including heat and wet weather.
|
