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Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Miss Margaret Fong, speaks at a reception for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky. |
Hong Kong, with its long history of equine excellence, is ready to host the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events this summer.
Speaking at a reception of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Margaret Fong said, “The 2008 Beijing Olympics is a joyous occasion for us all. It is the first time the games are held on Chinese soil. Hong Kong is proud to be one of the co-host cities, and we are set to present the events in the finest tradition.”
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the only four-star, three-day event in the Americas, was held April 24-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. It also was a selection competition of the United States Equestrian Federation for the 2008 Olympic Eventing Team.
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event was expected to attract 95,000 people. On May 4, NBC Sports will broadcast highlights from the Three-Day Event to 1.2 million U.S. households.
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Visitors tour the Hong Kong booth at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. |
Miss Fong said, “Hong Kong has a long history of equine excellence that is nurtured and promoted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation and the Riding for the Disabled Association Limited.”
The commissioner added that Hong Kong, with its world-class quarantine and vaccination programs, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s extensive experience with the import of thoroughbred racehorses, was ready and able to provide the facilities and environment required for stabling the equines at the upcoming Equestrian Events.
Pointing out that Hong Kong has a proven track record in staging major international events, Miss Fong said, “The combination of our prime locations at the heart of East Asia, our excellent connectivity, world-class hotels, eclectic mix of East and West, of old and new, the multitude of dining, leisure and retail opportunities makes us the perfect host.”
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) was a corporate sponsor at the prestigious equestrian event in Kentucky and promoted Hong Kong as a co-host city of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events.
The HKETONY’s participation in the event was a focus of attention among the local media. The Commissioner gave an interview to The Lexington Herald-Leader, to talk about the Equestrian Events in Hong Kong.
Visitors to the Hong Kong booth at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event were treated to a 13-minute film, “Hong Kong is Ready,” and other videos that highlight Hong Kong’s readiness and suitability as an Olympic co-host city. The Hong Kong booth, adorned with equestrian bunting and banners, also featured an eight-panel exhibition, “Asia’s world city welcomes the Olympics.” A 30-second film-clip showing Hong Kong’s readiness as a co-host city also was shown at regular intervals on closed-circuit televisions at the Kentucky Horse Park during the event.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Event will be held August 9-21, and September 7-11, respectively.
During her visit to Kentucky, Miss Fong also called on Governor Steve Beshear.
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