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    Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the gala show "Hong Kong Hosts Equestrian Event for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games" at the Sha Tin Racecourse today (July 10):

The Honourable Count Rogge, distinguished guests, athletes, ladies and gentlemen,

    Tonight, we celebrate an historic moment for Hong Kong sport ? indeed, an historic moment for all of Hong Kong.  Back in 2001, we joined the men and women of our country to celebrate Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Games.  Tonight, four years later, we not only re-live that success, we are now an integral part of it.

    With the trust and confidence placed in us by the International Olympic Committee, the Federation Equestre Internationale, and Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad, we are honoured to have been chosen to stage the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events.  This is the first time Hong Kong will have staged an Olympic event, and we are excited about it.  We pledge to do all that we can to make the Equestrian Events a resounding success and to bring pride and credit to our home, and our nation.  

    We in Hong Kong have a shared vision and strong desire to ensure the success of the Equestrian Events.  By doing so we can showcase to the world all that Hong Kong has to offer and provide a resounding echo to the 2008 Olympic slogan of "One World, One Dream".

    I wish you all an enjoyable evening!  Thank you very much.

Ends/Sunday, July 10, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:46

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News clip - Speech by the Chief Executive
(Real Media/Windows Media)

News clip - CE meets IOC President
(Real Media/Windows Media)