CS officiates at Hong Kong Velodrome works completion ceremony (with photos)
******************************************************

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the works completion ceremony of the Hong Kong Velodrome today (December 30). The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) specially invited members of the Hong Kong Cycling Team (HKCT) to give an exciting track and artistic cycling demonstration.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said that the Hong Kong Velodrome's core mission would be to provide a local, fixed and quality training base for the Hong Kong Cycling Team. Its completion would also mark Hong Kong's achievement in owning a venue which is well suited to hosting large-scale and high-level track-cycling competitions, she added.

     She also hoped that the velodrome's completion would help to train up more outstanding cyclists in Hong Kong, striving for better achievement in international competitions and boosting the standard of track cycling in the city.

     Mrs Lam also expressed her gratitude to all those who had given their continuous support and valued suggestions towards the project, including the Sai Kung District Council, the HKCT and people from different sectors, especially Hong Kong Cycling Association Head Coach, Mr Shen Jin-kang.

     During the demonstration session, the bronze medal winner of the women's keirin event at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Miss Lee Wai-sze, and other elite cyclists from the HKCT demonstrated their superb skills and speed in pursuit and keirin events, as well as in artistic cycling. Their wonderful demonstrations won great applause from the audience.

     The works completion ceremony was a highlight event of "Vibrant Hong Kong" under the citywide "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign.

     Also officiating at the ceremony today were the Chairman of the Legislative Council's Panel on Home Affairs, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok; the Chairman of Sai Kung District Council, Mr George Ng; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Leung Koon-kee; the Vice-President of the Hong Kong Cycling Association, Mr Pui Kwan-kay; the Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, Mr Tang Kwai-nang; and the Head Coach of the Hong Kong Cycling Team, Mr Shen Jin-kang.

     Located at 107, Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O, the Hong Kong Velodrome is the first-ever indoor cycling facility in Hong Kong that meets the standards of the Union Cycliste Internationale. It boasts a 250-metre indoor cycling track with supporting facilities of international standard and a multi-purpose arena. There are also sports facilities including a fitness room, a table-tennis room, a dance room and a children's playroom.

     Drawing reference from the concept of the cycling athlete's helmet, the velodrome is uniquely-designed and characterised by an exceptional oval, wavy rooftop design, signifying a perfect synthesis of the element of the sports and the architectural building.

     Facilities at the Hong Kong Velodrome will be opened in phases for public use in the first quarter of 2014.

Ends/Monday, December 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:18

NNNN