Vice President visits Sha Tin equestrian venue
Vice President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China inspected the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue in Sha Tin on July 6, after a visit to the Beas River Country Club.
Mr. Xi first visited the No. 1 stable, where he was briefed about its special features by Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing. The Vice President, accompanied by Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang and Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company Lam Woon-kwong, also visited the spectator stands, where he enjoyed a panoramic view of the arena.
The tour preceded a briefing during which Mr. Tsang, Mr. Tang and Mr. Lam each reported on the preparation work under way in Hong Kong.
Mr. Tsang said a distinctive feature of the Beijing Olympics will be community participation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has a comprehensive plan to have the people of Hong Kong, in particular the younger generation, participate actively and support the Beijing Olympics. Hong Kong has also embraced the Olympic spirit of solidarity, fair play and friendship and the Paralympic concepts of transcendence, integration and equality, all toward building a harmonious community.
Mr. Tsang said more than 40 national teams and approximately 200 horses are expected to compete in the Equestrian Events of the Olympics; approximately 30 teams and 80 horses are expected in the Paralympic Games. In preparation, the HKSAR Government has engaged approximately 40 government agencies and will conduct nearly 100 test runs to ensure the Games’ success.
Regarding competition venues, the Chief Secretary for Administration said the core venue at Sha Tin can accommodate 18,000 spectators. All construction of temporary spectator stands, stables and supporting facilities is complete. Setting-up work was in full swing and scheduled for completion in mid-July. The Beas River venue also can accommodate 18,000 spectators. Construction of the competition track is complete, while the fences are almost finished, he said.
Mr. Tang said renovation and conversion works at the Olympic Village and Paralympic Village will officially open July 26. The first batch of horses and athletes are expected to arrive in Hong Kong that day.
Of the supporting measures, quarantine procedures will be the most important, Mr. Tang said. Hong Kong has internationally recognized quarantine protocol arrangements, world-class equine care facilities and support from professionals, and has earned the recognition of the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) and participating countries.
He also said ticket sales are satisfactory. Of the 100,000 tickets available in Hong Kong, approximately 80% have been snapped up.
Mr. Tang said there is a comprehensive plan to deal with contingencies. Appropriate arrangements have been made in the competition schedule and venue facilities to minimize the impact of weather on the horses and athletes.
After the briefing, Vice President Xi said the HKSAR Government has invested considerable manpower and resources in the preparation of the Equestrian Events. He noted the city has many outstanding achievements and has built first-class competition venues and facilities.
He said Hong Kong’s participation in the Beijing Olympics is conducive to enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international city, showcasing the successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” and promoting sports in Hong Kong.
Mr. Xi hopes Hong Kong will do its best to prepare for the Games, noting the city should use every available minute to prepare well for all events and contingencies.
He also hopes Hong Kong will ensure a smooth traffic flow, clean environment, safe food supply, as well as security for the events. He encouraged Hong Kong to publicize the Equestrian Events and build a happy and harmonious atmosphere to make the events a bright example of the Olympic Games.
His next stop was the VIP lounge, where he was received by President of Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China Timothy Fok and Chairman of Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled Jenny Fung. While there, Mr. Xi met athletes and coaches, and chatted with them about their training and aspirations. He also met volunteers and expressed his appreciation of their services. Before he left Sha Tin, Mr. Xi presented his visitors with souvenirs and encouraged them to achieve their best during the Equestrian Events.
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