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The following is a statement issued today (July 8) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, on the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stage the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events in Hong Kong:

"I welcome the decision of the International Olympic Committee to accept the proposal of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad to stage the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events in Hong Kong.  It is a great honour for Hong Kong to share 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."

Ends/Friday, July 8, 2005
Issued at HKT 13:08

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