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CS speaks at "Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup" Welcoming Reception (English only) (with photos and video)
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Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the welcoming reception for the "Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup" Equestrian Events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this evening (August 9) (English only):

Mr Li Gang, Timothy (Fok), Mr Chris Hodson, John (Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Equestrian Committee, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to you!

We come from different parts of the world but for the next couple of days, we shall be taking part in a common event ¡V the "Good Luck Beijing ¡V HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup". Hong Kong just celebrated the 10th anniversary of our reunification with the motherland.  We are also honoured to be one of the co-host cities for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Ever since we were entrusted in July 2005 by the International Olympic Committee, the International Equestrian Federation, and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad, we have been doing our utmost to ensure that we would stage the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics Equestrian Events in their finest tradition as they deserve. With the support and advice of our partners, including all of you here tonight, we have been making steady progress. While our efforts have been acknowledged by the IOC and FEI, there is no room for complacency and we are fully alert to the challenges ahead.  We must ensure that all our planning withstand the real test of the event at the arena.
 
The "Good Luck Beijing ¡V HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup" is thus more than a competition in itself, but a major milestone to the 29th Olympiad. It will run its course from Saturday till next Monday. All disciplines of the equestrian game will be held, including dressage, cross-country and jumping tests.  I am pleased to learn that the event has received overwhelming response. A total of nine delegations comprising some 40 horses from all over the world, together with our local athletes, will participate in the competition.

We at the Government attach great importance to this Event and have been providing every assistance within our disposal to ensure it runs smoothly. We hope that the Event will provide an opportunity for all involved, including horses and athletes, vets and grooms, coaches and officials, to get a real chance to familiarize themselves with the actual conditions in Hong Kong, in particular the weather, which like your horses, can get emotional at times! It will also allow all the organizing parties to test out the hardware and software that are needed to make the 29th Olympiad a great success. I am looking forward to your excellent performance, and we welcome any feedback and comments to help us better prepare for next year's Olympiad.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to all parties involved in the Good Luck Beijing Event. The IOC, FEI and BOCOG have given valuable steer and advice all the way. The Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee has done a great job in supporting the Event. The Hong Kong Jockey Club not only provides two world-class competition venues, but also helps look after the welfare of participating horses.  Our sponsors have lent their unreserved generosity to make this Event possible. Last but not least, I must also thank my colleagues at all relevant Government bureaux and departments, as well as the staff of the Equestrian Company, for all your toils and labour in making the necessary preparation and logistical arrangement for the Event.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I wish the Good Luck Beijing Event a resounding success, and hope you enjoy the game and have fun in Hong Kong.

Thank you very much.

Ends/Thursday, August 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:26

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