***********************************************************
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said today (August 4) that by co-hosting the Beijing 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events, Hong Kong could demonstrate to the world its characteristics and advantages and bring fame and glory to the nation. Noting that preparations for the events have been completed, he called on the whole community to participate and support various arrangements of the events.
Speaking at a press conference on Hong Kong's preparation for the equestrian events this afternoon, Mr Tsang said that with a few more days, the Olympic Games would progress from its preparatory stage to competition stage.
He said: "Over the past three years, with the joint efforts of more than 40 government bureaux and various participating organisations, tremendous work has been done, including competition venues, the Olympic Village and related services; promotion of Olympism; traffic and transport arrangements; security; food safety, medical services and quarantine. We are ready."
"The Chief Executive has chaired interdepartmental meetings and inspected the competition venues, to see for himself the preparatory work."
There will be record breaking of 204 athlete-horse combinations from 42 countries/regions participating in the events. It is also the first time ever for the Chinese team and Hong Kong team to take part in the events.
Mr Tsang said: "It is the first time for the Olympics to be held on Chinese soil and it is Hong Kong's honour to be one of the co-host cities to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event. The occasion is of profound significance to Hong Kong and hence, thorough and prudent planning and preparation are necessary."
Regarding various arrangements for the events, Mr Tsang said that public's participation and support were crucial to the successful co-hosting of the the Olympic Games. He said: "The organisation of the Olympic Games is a very complicated process. We must strike an appropriate balance between facilitating the public to enjoy the competitions and ensuring the events to be run smoothly and safely."
Also attending the press conference are Hon Deputy Secretary General of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Prof Leung Mee Lee; Mayor of the Hong Kong Olympic (Paralympic) Village, Ms Elsie Leung; Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company, Mr Lam Woon-kwong; Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau; Assistant Commissioner for Transport (New Territories), Miss Cindy Law; and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Suen Kwai-leung.
Speaking on the Hong Kong Olympic Village, Mayor of the Village, Ms Elsie Leung, said that the Village had started operation since July 26 and so far 34 National Olympic Committees had checked in the Village.
She said that the Village aimed to provide accommodation, services and recreational activities for the enjoyment of participating teams in a secure, comfortable and attractive environment to facilitate mental and physical preparation for participation in the Equestrian Events.
Access control measurements are in place to ensure safety of residents. Apart from accommodation, the Village also provides a series of services in the two major zones, International and Residential Zones, of the Village to facilitate the needs of residents, she added.
On promotion of Olympic spirit, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau, said although Olympic Games was a sports event, it also provided a platform for the Government to encourage community participation.
She said that the Government adopted a three-pronged approach in promoting Olympic spirit: through partnership with different sectors of the community, encouraging community wide participation as well as volunteerism .
"We have through organisation of district-based activities held at 18 districts, Olympic-themed decorations throughout the territory, cultural events and various publicity initiatives such as government announcements in the public interest and TV and radio programmes spread the Olympic spirit, enhanced Olympic atmosphere and promoted people's understanding of the equestrian sport," she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company, Mr. Lam Woon-kwong, was glad to note that all tickets for the Olympic Equestrian Event had been sold out. He reminded all spectators to respect the House Rules and advised them to arrive at the venues one to two hours beforehand so as to go through the admission process.
Competition might have to be delayed or postponed for various reasons, mostly due to inclement weather. He urged spectators to check changes to the Competition Schedule by calling the Spectator Hotline at 2107 9955, checking the Equestrian Website at http://www.equestrian2008.org or tuning in to radio/TV announcements. Visitors can check with concierge for information at hotels.
Mr Lam also reminded spectators of the Hong Kong Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) that there would be bi-lingual sport commentating service through FM radio (103.2 for Cantonese; 106.7 for English) and they should bring along FM radios with headsets.
At the press conference, the Assistant Commissioner for Transport (New Territories), Miss Cindy Law, appealed to spectators heading for the venue to travel by rail and interchange with the free shuttle buses provided by the Equestrian Company. She also appealed to the public for their understanding and cooperation, and to tolerate the inconveniences that might be caused by road closures, traffic diversions and management measures in Sha Tin, North District and Tsim Sha Tsui.
"During the Equestrian Events, Transport Department's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will operate under the Joint Steering Mode to closely monitor the traffic and transport situations in co-operation with the Police, public transport operators and other relevant parties. The ETCC will implement contingency plans and release updated information to the public if necessary. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the announcements issued via the media," said Miss Law.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Suen Kwai-leung, said that Police were well prepared for the security arrangements of the Olympic Equestrian Events.
"The Force have drawn up comprehensive security arrangements and contingency plans. Through comprehensive multi-agency approach, we have developed collaboration plans with the Equestrian Company and over 20 Government departments. The feasibility of these arrangements had been optimised and proved after a series of exercises. We have also formulated effective resources allocation plans, including flexible deployment of officers, to ensure the smooth and safe running of the Equestrian Events and to maintain a stable law and order situation as well as our ability to deal with any other emergency during the Olympics," Mr Suen said.
"To put into practice, Police had implemented stringent security measures at the Equestrian Events venues and non-event venues. These included guard system, access control, installation of fencing, closed-circuit television system and metal detection system, etc. The Force have confidence, capability, expertise and adequate preparation to ensure that the Equestrian Events can be held in a safe and smooth manner," he added.
Ends/Monday, August 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:27
NNNN
