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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (November 27) visited Sha Tin for an update on its development.
Accompanied by Sha Tin District Officer, Mr Andrew Lai, Mr Tsang toured the Equestrian Pavilion, which opened early this month. The Equestrian Pavilion, established at Penfold Park, Sha Tin, by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), introduces Olympic equestrian events to the public through a variety of multi-media facilities, such as Novel Electronic Book, models of the equestrian venues, and a walk-in Captivating Circular Theatre.
"Visits to the Equestrian Pavilion by schools and groups from all districts not only can enrich the public's knowledge of Olympic equestrian events, but also allow the community to feel the Olympic atmosphere and share the joy of Hong Kong being an Olympic co-host city," Mr Tsang said upon learning that the HKJC had been arranging for various groups from the 18 districts to visit the pavilion.
Mr Tsang then went to the Salvation Army Family Store in Jat Min Estate. It was the first social enterprise in Sha Tin, set up in 2004 by the Salvation Army's Hang On Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Service. The shop sells specially priced clothes and goods donated by the public or companies and provides retail training to students of special schools and the disabled.
Mr Tsang was impressed that the family store had helped the disadvantaged become self-reliant and re-integrate into society. He said he believed that in the summit on social enterprise to be held next month, a clearer framework would be set for the further development of social enterprise.
The Chief Executive also met some local residents at Sky Platform in Sha Tin Park to hear their views on Sha Tin's development and community facilities.
Ending today's visit, Mr Tsang said, "Olympic equestrian events are to be held in Sha Tin next year. We are pleased to see that the community and groups in Sha Tin are excited about this. We hope that the series of community engagement activities and publicity campaigns can encourage community participation in full."
Ends/Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:47
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