Olympic Excitement Grows

The recent one-year countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, held at Victoria Harbour, signaled the beginning of rising Olympic fever. More events are planned to build public awareness, particularly about the equestrian games co-hosted by Hong Kong.

"Our game plan is to start building up the momentum, with city dress-ups being launched near to the 300-day countdown celebrations in mid October,” said a spokesman. Further countdowns will be followed by a torch relay in May. 

"At the implementation level, we will be working closely with all major stakeholders including the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the 18 District Councils, Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF), Riding for the Disabled Association, youth groups, schools and tourism bodies. 

"With 'One World One Dream' in our mind, I am sure Hong Kong will be able to pool all strengths with all stakeholders in fostering the spirit of Olympism advocated under the Olympic Charter," the spokesman said.

The Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Canada has sent several Canadian equestrian journalists to visit the equestrian facilities and attend briefings in Hong Kong. It will launch, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a series of promotional activities in Canada to promote the equestrian games in Hong Kong and attract more visitors to the Special Administrative Region during the Olympics period.

Hong Kong Passes Olympic Equestrian Test 
Not even a tropical storm could prevent Hong Kong from proving its readiness to host next year’s Olympic equestrian events with the successful staging of the Good Luck Beijing-HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup. 

The event was very useful, said Mr. Lam Woon-kwong, CEO of the Equestrian Company. “We have been able to test the ground and other things and we have had the opportunity to use the emergency and contingency plans.”

Martin Plewa, the chief judge, gave the Hong Kong organizers top marks, describing it as “the best test event I’ve ever been to.”

The Good Luck Beijing–HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup comprised the International Eventing Competition for overseas riders and the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Preliminary Eventing Competition for local entries. A total of 16 riders from 7 countries contested the international title, which was won by Germany’s Frank Ostholt. 

Top