Olympics hopefuls will meet tomorrow to decide what action they can take to push the government to let them keep their training facilities. Members of the Hong Kong Elite Athletes' Association are livid that the government has announced it might move them from the Hong Kong Sports Institute in Sha Tin without consulting or even notifying them. The move would clear the way for construction of an equestrian centre for the 2008 Olympic Games. Association vice-chairwoman Malina Ngai said: 'We are quite concerned about the impact of hosting the equestrian events and the possible relocation of the Sports Institute ... We're concerned that we don't have the respect of the government.' She said her organisation learned about the government's plan from news reports. 'No one informed us. We found out like all the other members of the public that if Hong Kong hosts the equestrian event, it is likely that the athletes have to move somewhere else to train and prepare for the 2008 Olympics.' Ms Ngai said no other facilities were suitable for the 400 or so gymnasts, fencers, rowers, swimmers and other athletes who train at the institute. Athletes have trained there for more than 20 years. She said uncertainty over the training facilities was harming the athletes' focus and had left many disheartened. 'They train seven or eight hours a day. They are really committed. The target is a medal in the Asian Games or Olympic Games. Now it is creating uncertainty. Some of the athletes are thinking, 'Should we make this commitment'?' she said. The International Olympic Committee has said it will decide in the next few months on whether to allow the equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong.
