City officials of Hong Kong were
ecstatic with news that the special administrative region will host
the Olympic equestrian events, saying the decision will be a boon
to local economic activity and the development of elite sports in
Hong Kong.
Community vitality will also be enhanced, said Secretary for
Home Affairs Patrick Ho Chi-ping on Friday, adding that it is an
honor for Hong Kong and its citizens to host the event.
"Hong Kong people welcome this once-in-a-lifetime event and are
sharing the joy of the entire nation," he told a news
conference.
He made his remarks after the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) decided on Friday to move the event to the territory from
Beijing at a meeting in Singapore, in response to the Beijing
Olympic Committee's April suggestion that the equestrian events be
moved to Hong Kong in fear of equine disease on the mainland.
Chief Executive Donald Tsang echoed the view that the decision
is a great distinction for Hong Kong to share in the glory of
hosting the Olympic Games for the first time in China.
"The equestrian events will be a milestone in Hong Kong's
sporting history. The government will work closely with all parties
concerned to ensure that we have a successful sporting spectacular
in Hong Kong in 2008."
Ho stressed that the events will attract tens of thousands of
people to Hong Kong, including tourists, spectators, athletes and
journalists, culminating in tourist revenues of up to HK$300
million.
A government spokesman promised that Hong Kong will provide the
best support services and venues for participating athletes and
horses. According to him, the Sports Institute and Penfold Park in
Sha Tin will be the main venues for staging the Olympic and
Paralympic equestrian events. Meanwhile, the Jockey Club's Beas
River Country Club and Golf Club in Fanling will be used for
cross-country races.
Ho said the Sports Institute will be turned into a main venue
for the events, with veterinary services to be provided by the
Jockey Club.
"The Sports Institute and Penfold Park will house 230 additional
stables, a competition arena with 20,000 seats and support
facilities such as training and warm-up arenas, plus a media
centre," he said.
(China Daily July 9, 2005)