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New Zealanders have today (September 11) been urged to saddle up for a visit to Hong Kong for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events.
The invitation was extended by Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, during a 'Hong Kong Riding High' celebration in Auckland organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was on track to stage a unique and unforgettable Olympic Equestrian competition as part of the Beijing Games next summer.
While Beijing is the host city for the 2008 Olympics, the equestrian events will be staged in Hong Kong from August 9 to 20 next year.
"The hosting of the Equestrian events in August 2008 is a matter of great pride for Hong Kong," he said.
"It provides us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Beijing Olympiad, and to join the ranks of Olympic cities.
"Today, I am inviting you to help Hong Kong celebrate the spirit of the Olympics. We want you to saddle up for a visit to our city next year."
Mr Tsang said Hong Kong held a test event last month to ensure facilities were up to scratch. The test event included 16 international riders from Australia, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, the US, Holland and France.
"Many of the international riders and officials who took part said the facilities were the best they had ever seen," said Mr Tsang.
"We were, of course, very happy to hear that. But, it has only encouraged us to do even better next year."
Mr Tsang said competitors, officials and supporters could expect a warm Olympic welcome if they visited Hong Kong next year.
He said one of Hong Kong's goals for the 2008 events was to broaden the appeal of the events beyond the mainstream equestrian audience.
"And, we would also like to encourage people going to Beijing to consider stopping off in Hong Kong on the way there, or the way back ... or both," he said.
"Apart from enjoying all the grace and action of the equestrian events, visitors can enjoy a huge range of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences in Hong Kong."
About 300 horses and riders are expected to take part in the Olympic and Paralympic competitions next summer.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has invested more than HK$800 million (NZ$147 million) in building new facilities.
These include two purpose-built venues, an air-conditioned indoor training arena and air-conditioned stables as well as an equine clinic. There will also be on-site misting tents where the horses can cool down after competing.
New Zealanders are no strangers to Hong Kong - they are amongst the most ardent groups of supporters who make an annual pilgrimage for the Hong Kong Rugby 7s.
"They always have a great time - as I'm sure visitors to Hong Kong will experience during the Olympic events next year," said Mr Tsang.
Also today, Mr Tsang held meetings with New Zealand's Minister of Trade Phil Goff, spoke at a lunch attended by business leaders and toured a health care production facility that provides breathing apparatus to Hong Kong's hospitals.
Later tonight, Mr Tsang will deliver a keynote speech at the Hong Kong New Zealand Gala Dinner.
Tomorrow (September 12) Mr Tsang will visit waste water treatment plant as well as a vineyard exporting wines to Hong Kong.
He leaves New Zealand tomorrow afternoon and is due to arrive back in Hong Kong tomorrow night.
Ends/Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:05
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