Live sites to boost atmosphere of Olympic Games
"Olympic Live Sites” in Victoria Park and Sha Tin Park will enhance the atmosphere of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong on August 8-24 and provide a variety of free cultural, sports and leisure programs to the public.
At a news conference July 8, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau said, “We are greatly honored that our country is hosting the Olympic Games. It is indeed a double honor for us to be an Olympic City, co-hosting the Olympic Equestrian Events. The Hong Kong [Special Administrative Region] Government has been actively promoting community participation in various Olympics-related activities.
“Following the Olympic Torch Relay on May 2, which still remains vivid in our minds, our next major project is to set up Olympic Live Sites at Victoria Park and Sha Tin Park in accordance with the requirements of the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,” Mrs. Yau said.
The live sites will provide the whole community, including visitors to Hong Kong and those who do not have time to go to Beijing, with opportunities to share the joy and experience the spirit of the Games.
“During his visit to Hong Kong earlier this week, Vice President Xi Jinping said that it was the Chinese nation’s solemn pledge to the international community that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games would be high-quality and distinctive. Being one of the co-host cities of the Games, Hong Kong is committed to contributing our best towards the successful staging of the Games by our motherland,” Mrs. Yau said.
The Permanent Secretary said that apart from preparation for the Equestrian events themselves, the creation of a joyful and peaceful Olympic atmosphere for the community was also an important assignment for the government. The Olympic Live Sites will not only broadcast live all the exciting competition events through giant TV screens, they will stage entertainment programs with different cultural characteristics that reflect Hong Kong as an international city.
Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Thomas Chow introduced details of the Hong Kong Olympic Live Sites, planned for the Central Lawn of Victoria Park and the Main Plaza of Sha Tin Park. They will include seven activity zones with the following programs:
- Giant TV wall and main stage performance area: Live broadcast of Olympic activities and competition events, and stage performances with different cultural characteristics, such as Filipino music performance, traditional Japanese sports demonstration, Korean and Indian cultural dances and “Aloha,” a Hawaiian contemporary music legend for families.
- Entertainment and activity area: Includes 3D motion games, Olympic book corner, games and inflatable trampoline.
- Exhibition area: A wish-making corner for sending good wishes to the Games, Fuwa photo-taking corner, highlights of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong, Equestrian Events exhibition and information about the Games.
- Fitness corner: Various play-in activities, such as aerobics, dancing, shuttlecock, indoor rowing and rope skipping.
- Exhibition and sale of licensed products of the Olympic Games.
- Information corner: Updated information about the Olympic Games, with a list of gold-medal winners.
- Food and drinks area.
Except for the sale of licensed products, food and drinks, the activities will be free of charge.
Due to limited capacity at the Olympic Live Sites, only district organizations and invitees will be admitted during the sites’ launch and the Games’ opening ceremony August 8, and during the closing ceremony August 24. Otherwise, free admission tickets will be available starting one hour before each session until capacity is reached.
To show Hong Kong people’s support for the Beijing Olympic Games and Hong Kong athletes, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) of the HKSAR will launch a Cheering Campaign with the slogan, “Go! Go! China! Go! Go! Hong Kong!” The campaign will provide numerous channels for the public to give support and encouragement to athletes taking part in the Beijing Olympics. Previously, the LCSD distributed cheering cards to elementary and high schools, inviting students to express their best wishes to Hong Kong athletes.
At the news conference, Mrs. Yau said the Equestrian Events will take place at two world-class venues. She hopes people will buy admission tickets so they can feel the Olympic atmosphere themselves. Tickets have been on sale since June 12 and are selling quickly; some of the popular sessions, including the final sessions, sold out the first day. The cross-country races will take place at the Beas River Country Club and adjacent golf club. There, spectators can move around and enjoy watching the competition as well as spend time with their family in the green environment.
Mrs. Yau said the successful launch of the Olympic Live Sites owes much to the support and assistance from the government and community. She is confident that with continued backing, the Beijing Olympic Games will be brought even closer to Hong Kong residents.
The LCSD also is planning a Live Site in Sha Tin Park during the September 6-17 Paralympic Games. Details will be announced later.
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