2008 Beijing Olympic Games face multiple worries

出自香港新聞網 - 樹仁新傳系學生實習習作

Equestrian Events have received complains on job offers and the conveyance system after the Good Luck Beijing – HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup Eventing Competition. The Equestrian Company is currently having challenges ahead 6 months before the event arrive.

Director of Corporate Administration, Equestrian Events (HK) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Co Ltd., Dr. Horace Yuen said complaints are mainly on the size of the media centre. A 300 sq. ft room is obviously overcrowded for media, inadequate labour revoke messy arrangements, reporters were not capable to transmit information back to their company. These troubles resulted in chaos and criticisms, and doubts on their capability to hold an international competition are raised up. Horace Yuen said, “We have foreseen this potential problem after absorbing experiences in the Good Luck Beijing, the media centre is expanded triple in size with perfect internet facilities. Press can send information back to company at ease.” He added, technical problem is also concerned during the event, stable electric supply is considered for accurate time-counting.

Refer to recent news on the extremely high hourly pay only for civil servants, he explained it as an “unfortunate misunderstanding”. Yuen believed civil servants are well-trained and thus more capable to contact with overseas visitors, another concern is based on the security. Besides, the valuable experiences from reception can be preserved as a legacy to government. Due to above reasons, sacrifices are made, but not intended to withhold this offer from the public.

“At least 5 years are needed for a perfect Olympic Games, instead, the 2008 Olympic Games have not started planning until 2006, and things are in a very tight schedule.” Yuen said, preparation has started lately but everything is running smoothly now. Weather is still the biggest secret worry, summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid, and over 30 Degree Celsius in mid day can greatly affect the horses’ performance. Therefore, events are held early in the morning and in the evenings. Last year, it has thunderstorm and heavy rain when No.8 storm signal is hoisted, a perfect drainage system is constructed for the tropical cyclone season in Hong Kong.