The switch-on ceremony of the annual Sha Tin Festive Lighting was held here Saturday to welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and the Olympic equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong.

 

Officiating at the switch-on ceremony in Sha Tin Park in the New Territories, Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau said most of the lighting this year used light-emitting diodes (LED) which was not only environmental friendly but also fully illustrated the spirit of a Green Olympics.

 

"The Beijing Olympic Games is the first-ever Olympic Games held on the Chinese soil, and Hong Kong is presented a precious opportunity to co-host the Olympic equestrian events. As one of the equestrian venues is located in Sha Tin, residents in Sha Tin can experience the Olympic atmosphere and share the joy of the Olympic Games more strongly and directly," she said.

 

"The Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin will launch Olympic-themed lighting in summer next year to welcome the competitors and audience," she added.

 

Yau called on the public to support and actively participate in Olympic promotional events to promote the Olympic spirit and Hong Kong's vitality and vibrancy with a view to co-hosting the most successful equestrian events in the Olympic history.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2007)