HK should make most of role in Olympics
When it was announced that Hong Kong would host the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games two years ago, there was a mixed response.
Top government leaders and sports officials were delighted that Hong Kong had made a name in the sports world. Doubters questioned the wisdom of hosting an unpopular sports event. Athletes wondered whether the hundreds of millions of dollars required to fund the events would be better spent on developing other sports.
Yet as the bulk of the spending (HK$800 million) will be provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, many people feel there is no harm in hosting the equestrian events. This is despite a feeling of bewilderment about the whole idea. To pragmatic-minded Hongkongers, the rhetoric of the Olympic spirit and the sense of pride associated with a marginal link to the Games in Beijing have been elusive.
With 306 days to go before the Games open in the capital, there has been a conspicuous absence of passion, excitement or togetherness around the Olympics.
While fund-raisers were doubling their efforts to meet a money shortfall, organisers and government officials were striving to stimulate public interest and enliven the sporting atmosphere.
Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau Tsang Ka-lai visited Qingdao last month to exchange notes with officials on their preparations for the sailing events to be held in the coastal city.
Beginning last Friday, the first of four FEI World Cup qualifiers were being held at Beas River. In addition to the World Cup showjumping class, there are national jumping classes, a dressage test and a weekend carnival. Tickets are free and available at riding schools and through the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Last week, John Morse, a key Australian tourism official involved with the 2000 Sydney Olympics, was in town at the invitation of the Jockey Club to meet government officials and the tourism board. Mr Morse shared some of Australia's experience in using the Games to build the country's tourism industry.
Over the next few weeks, the government will launch a blitz of publicity to promote the Beijing Games. Admittedly, there are obvious limitations in turning Hong Kong into an Olympic city, given the simple fact that most of the events will be held in Beijing. The official title Beijing Olympics is an unmistakable reminder of where the action will take place.
Strictly speaking, Hong Kong is just a venue outside Beijing chosen to host the equestrian events, one of 20-plus cities serving such a role. What it is obligated to do is to make sure the events are held smoothly, with the best facilities, support team and logistics arrangements.
Despite a string of problems, such as security failings in the test event Good Luck Beijing/HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup in August, Hong Kong's impressive record in hosting major events provides a source of confidence that next year's events will be another smooth ride.
The big question mark is whether - and how - Hong Kong can achieve something beyond a smooth operation.
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has said making the equestrian events a resounding success would 'bring pride and credit to our home and our country' and could 'showcase to the world all that Hong Kong has to offer and provide a resounding echo to the 2008 Olympic slogan of 'one world, one dream''.
There is no doubting the Beijing Games will emerge as an opportunity for China to show its changing face and to tell its own story to the world. Never mind that we are distant from the capital - Hong Kong will still figure prominently in perhaps the most exciting story of the 21st century.
If Hong Kong fails to make the best of such a historic occasion, it will be an opportunity lost.
