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Hong Kong had passed a searching examination by successfully co-hosting the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, said today (August 22).
Speaking after the last medal event of the Equestrian Events, Mr Tang said he hoped that Olympic officials, competitors and the people of Hong Kong were happy with the examination result.
A total of 13 events were held successfully over 12 days at the Equestrian venues at Sha Tin and Beas River. Mr Tang attributed the success to a combination of the right time, the right place and the right people.
"The right time means all the events could be held on schedule and spectators could enjoy them in a relatively comfortable environment in the absence of inclement weather in a typical summer.
"The right place means we had world-class equestrian venues. Highly accessible transport networks also provided convenience to spectators from around the world and from the local community.
"But the most important was the right people. The 42 participating teams, thousands of working staff and volunteers each did their utmost to present the most exciting competitions to the spectators and a global audience," Mr Tang said.
"More than 150,000 spectators were so absorbed in the events. They observed the house rules. They cheered the riders and the horses, regardless of their nationalities, at the right time. We had a truly cosmopolitan and mature audience.
"The highly professional reporting by the media also gave audiences at home and readers a good flavour of the competitions."
He said Hong Kong people generally supported the equestrian events, and had been very accommodating about all the temporary measures taken to facilitate the smooth hosting of the events.
"Two weeks ago, when spectators entered the venue, when horses and athletes appeared before us, my colleagues and I felt the excitement of sitting an examination. Today, as the events come to an end, we are so relieved to say, ¡¥The examination is over!¡¦ We hope you are all happy with the result".
"We are glad to see the participating teams fielding their best rider-horse combinations to showcase a gallery of marvellous competitions. I am sure we all experience the sophistication of equestrianism and the Olympic spirit", Mr Tang said. And he expressed pride in the outstanding performance of the Chinese and Hong Kong, Chinese teams who participated in the events for the first time.
On behalf of the Equestrian Committee and the HKSAR Government, Mr Tang thanked the organisations and people who contributed to the success of the events.
"First of all, I would like to express our heart-felt gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Fˆmdˆmration Equestre Internationale (FEI), Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), and Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee for their guidance and support for the preparation work.
"Our thanks also go to all participating teams for their co-operation and tolerance, as well as their high standard of performance."
Mr Tang expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the resources, efforts and expertise committed to providing the best equestrian facilities lauded by equestrian experts and participating teams. He also thanked the frontline staff and volunteers who applied themselves to their tasks professionally and enthusiastically.
He also thanked the local and overseas media for their reporting. "In particular the local media, I can see you made tremendous effort to give highly professional reports, enabling the local community to further understand the essence of the events."
Pointing out that this was the first time Hong Kong had held such a premier international sports event, Mr Tang said it was indeed a highly complicated project.
In almost one month, 218 horses arrived in, departed from and were safely transferred between the venues.
Hong Kong has received more than 3,000 athletes, technical and team officials, and other Olympic Family members; more than 30 international dignitaries; and about 650 members of the media.
The events ran smoothly and safely except for a few individual athletes and horses that were slightly injured. All of them received prompt and proper medical treatment. More than 155,000 spectators enjoyed the events, with the average attendance rate over 80%. The target of zero food poisoning was also attained.
At the same time, the events did not affect the overall normal operation of society.
Mr Tang said IOC, FEI, BOCOG, the participating teams, spectators and the media all highly praised the organising work. "We lived up to the expectations of the IOC and our motherland. The teams were happy. The audiences were happy. And we are proud that we are part of the Olympic history."
Mr Tang said the result once again proved that even with tremendous challenges such as insufficient experience, tight schedules and difficult tasks, Hong Kong people could still rise to the challenges and show to the world its team work and can-do spirit, demonstrating the dynamism and liveliness of the city.
"Co-hosting the equestrian events is our contribution to the Olympic movement. It is also a spiritual legacy that will pass on to our future generations."
Mr Tang added that Hong Kong would make the same commitment to the Paralympic Equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong from September 7 to 11.
"We will attach the same importance and cater to the special needs of the Paralympics. Everything will be ready for hosting another round of equally fabulous Equestrian competitions."
Ends/Friday, August 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:24
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