An Olympic fund has been set up in Hong Kong to encourage community involvement in the equestrian events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The events are being held in HK $800 million facilities at Sha Tin and Sheung Shui in Hong Kong due to quarantine restrictions in Beijing, and organisers say the new fund will be used to create “an Olympic city atmosphere.”
Although racing is very popular in Hong Kong, other equestrian sports are not widely supported. The government has appointed Ms Elsie Leung to head the fund which will finance projects and activities to build community support for the events. “The fund will also help enhance social cohesion and an awareness and appreciation in the community as to the value of sports in general and the Olympic spirit in particular,” a spokesperson said.
