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The Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) today (August 31) in Beijing signed a document on the overall arrangements for the equestrian events for the 29th Olympic Games and the 13th Paralympic Games.
BOCOG Executive Vice-President Mr Liu Jingmin and Secretary for Home Affairs and Executive Vice-President of the Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong) of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Dr Patrick Ho, signed the document on behalf of BOCOG and HKSARG respectively.
BOCOG President, Mr Liu Qi, who is also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee; First Vice-President, Ms Chen Zhili, who is also a State Councillor; and Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, witnessed the signing ceremony.
When BOCOG signed the Host City Contract with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Moscow in July, 2001, it had not been decided that the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events would be relocated to Hong Kong.
There was a need for a document that outlined the arrangements for the equestrian events between BOCOG and HKSARG after the relocation decision was made. The arrangements include the provision of an internationally recognised equine quarantine protocol, a safe and well-ordered society, a system that facilitates smooth entry to and departure out of Hong Kong, all aiming at ensuring a smooth equestrian events taking place.
Dr Patrick Ho said, "We have decided to sign the document after a year's communication where we both now have good understanding of what is needed in the HKSAR for the events." The document outlines the arrangements made by the government of a host city to the organising committee of the Olympic Games. Among them, many are government functions such as support on security, immigration, and transport arrangements.
"In short, the document sets the basis for mutual collaboration and the signing ceremony today signifies that the co-operation of Hong Kong as one of the co-host cities is in full operation," Dr Ho added.
BOCOG signed similar documents on May 25, 2004, with the Qingdao Municipal Government and the Sailing Committee (Qingdao) of Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and on July 19, 2005, with the cities of Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao, which will stage the football qualifying matches for 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The gist of the document signed between BOCOG and HKSARG is attached at Annex.
Ends/Thursday, August 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:05
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