“Olympics is not just a competition, it is also a social reflection,” says Yuen

出自香港新聞網 - 樹仁新傳系學生實習習作

2008 Olympics Games will start at coming summer in Beijing, and Hong Kong would be one of the co-host cities for the Beijing Olympics. In this summer, Hong Kong has taken up the challenge of hosting the Olympic Equestrian Events. But does Hong Kong do enough preparations? Will Hong Kong face some challenges in operating Olympic Equestrian Events?

Dr. Horace Yuen, Director of Corporate Administration, Equestrian Events (HK) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Co Ltd., admitted the main challenge would be the preparation time is too short; Beijing only has two years to operate the Olympics Games. Compared with London, they have started their 2012 Summer Olympic Games, earlier than Beijing Olympics Games started.

Also, he was disappointed that Hong Kong people misunderstand the spirit of Olympics. “Olympism is a state of mind based on equality of sports which are international and democratic. The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination or any kind, in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play,” he said. “However Hong Kong people just know the Olympics Games is just a competition, do how many of them know the spirit of Olympics?” he added.

He quoted the speech from Pierre de Coubertin, the father of Olympics, to let Hong Kong people know the right concept of Olympics Games. “It is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.” He concluded that the concept should be promoted to everyone and reeducates the spirit of the Olympics Games.