IOC impressed with HK preparation
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-08-16 14:44
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is impressed by the overall progress on planning and building the facilities for the 2008 Beijing Games Equestrian Events, an IOC official said here on Tuesday.
IOC Co-ordination Commission Chairman Hein Verbruggen made the remarks before he left Hong Kong for a two-day visit.
During his brief stay in Hong Kong, Verbruggen made a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Donald Tsang and the Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui. He reassured them that the IOC Co- ordination Commission would continue to provide support and guidance to Beijing and all other co-host cities to make the Games a success, leaving a legacy to China.
The IOC delegation held a series of meetings with various stakeholders of the Events, including the Equestrian Committee, the Hong Kong Jockey Club as well as the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. Delegation members received detailed briefings on venue construction and different functional areas such as security control, accommodation, quarantine and transportation arrangements.
On veterinary and quarantine services, a member of the delegation, Catrin Norinder, who represents the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), spoke highly of the professional arrangements carried out by government agencies.
"The sport of equestrian is a game involving the athletes as well as horses and keeping a healthy and safe competition environment for both of them is vital. I have full confidence in the plans made in Hong Kong in this aspect," she said.
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