The Police Force's preparation work for policing the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events is gathering momentum as the countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games has started.
The Equestrian Events comprise three distinct disciplines - Jumping, Dressage and Eventing (which includes cross-country). They will be held at two competition venues, namely the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) on the site of the former Hong Kong Sports Institute and the Penfold Park, and for the cross-country competition, at the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Beas River) on the grounds of the Beas River Country Club and the Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui.
The 2008 Olympic Torch Relay is the single most important precursor to the Olympic Games, heralding the Games' arrival and engendering the Olympic "spirit" that is such an important part of the event itself. It is also very significant to the Olympic Movement as a whole. The flame is considered one of the most easily identifiable Olympic symbols and is treated with a high degree of veneration.
The Torch Relay for the Beijing Olympics will be staged in 21 countries from March 24 to August 8 this year. By that time there will be 133 separate legs for the Relay, of which Hong Kong will be the first leg in China. The Torch will arrive on April 30 and will be kept in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre until the Relay begins on May 2.
The proposed route of the Torch Relay in Hong Kong covers Kowloon West, New Territories South, Hong Kong Island and Marine Regions. The Relay will carry on throughout the day and will involve a course of almost 30 kilometres. The Force is responsible for the safe and smooth running of the Torch Relay.
