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Xi inspects Olympic equestrian venues in Hong Kong

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-06 20:42

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Chief Executive Donald Tsang in Hong Kong, south China, July 6, 2008. [Xinhua]

HONG KONG -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping inspected the equestrian events venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics Sunday afternoon to get firsthand information about Hong Kong's preparations for the Games.

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Xi inspected the racecourses for the equestrian events at the Beas River and Shatin in the New Territories of Hong Kong.

Following the inspection, Xi was briefed about the preparation work done for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Donald Tsang and other HKSAR government officials.

Xi said the HKSAR government has put huge human, material and financial resources into the preparations and has done a lot of effective work to ensure a success of the Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong.

He said Hong Kong has made several world records in venue construction and building work on supporting facilities, which has not only been fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee, but also created favorable conditions for the equestrian events.

The Olympic equestrian events will run from August 9 to 21, with jumping and dressage events to be held at Shatin and the cross country competition at the Beas River.

Most of the Olympic equestrian competitions will be staged at Shatin. The all-weather surface main arena, which has hi-tech floodlighting appropriate for High Definition TV broadcasting, has grandstand seating for around 18,000 spectators.

Four equine cooling stations, including misting tents and plentiful supplies of chilled water, are located around the venue to cool the Olympic horses after training or competition. Mobile cooling units, another unique feature, will also be in use throughout the Olympics and Paralympics.

The cross-country for the Eventing competition will be held at Beas River.
Xi arrived in Hong Kong Sunday morning from Shenzhen on a three-day inspection tour.