Article
Donald Tsang
Chief Executive Donald Tsang helps promote the Olympic equestrian events.
Photo: AFP
Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is Hong Kong's top government official and is confident that the city, which hosts the equestrian events, will leave a lasting impression on visitors and athletes alike.
What do the Olympic Games mean to you personally?
The hosting of the Olympic Games in Beijing fulfils a dream for many generations of Chinese people. I, and probably every member of Hong Kong society, am very honoured and privileged to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stage the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events. This is also a golden opportunity to show the world that the Olympic spirit of friendship, fair play and solidarity are very much alive in Hong Kong. Our city will then be known to the world, not merely as an international financial centre, but for its sportsmanship and vibrancy.
Donald Tsang hold aloft the Olympic flame during the start of the torch relay in Hong Kong.
Photo: Martin Chan
Is Hong Kong ready to put on a good show?
We have entered the final stretch. Preparations for the equestrian events are progressing smoothly. Feedback from visiting athletes and officials has been positive, and the Good Luck Beijing test event in August last year went well. I am confident we can achieve our goal of staging a unique and good Games, bringing pride and honour to our country and Hong Kong.
To get this job done, we are fortunate to be able to draw on the experience and enthusiasm of the Hong Kong Jockey Club in staging these events. They are global leaders in their field, whether it be the importation of horses, transportation, quarantine and vet services, or ways to ensure the horses are comfortable and well provided for. The Jockey Club has outlaid US$150 million to build new facilities and prepare for the events. The Hong Kong SAR Government and all other relevant organisations will also be doing everything possible to make our visitors welcome and ensure the best arrangements for the events in this city.
The strong participation and support of the community is also essential. Having seen the success of the Olympic torch relay in Hong Kong in May, I am confident that Hong Kong people will embrace the Olympic spirit with the same passion and sense of unity when the Olympic flame is rekindled in August.
How will hosting the equestrian events impact on Hong Kong?
As a cosmopolitan city of China, Hong Kong has hosted many international events such as the IMF/World Bank meetings, the WTO's Ministerial Conference and the ITU Telecom World (first time ever held outside Geneva). Every time we've hosted a major event we accumulate more experience and build on it, so that we may enhance our efficiency and abilities. Next year we will host the 2009 East Asian Games. And we're bidding for the 2011 International Olympic Committee meeting. These are ways we will keep Hong Kong on the global radar.
Have you been to an Olympic Games as a spectator?
I regret that I have not had the chance to do so. But I have not missed the TV coverage, despite the time differences between Hong Kong and the hosting countries.
What is your favourite Olympic sport?
I enjoy watching track-and-field events, like the 100m [sprint], hurdles, high jump and long jump.
What is your most memorable Olympic moment?
There are numerous memorable moments. Watching our "queen of the wind", Lee Lai-shan, winning the first Olympic gold medal for Hong Kong in 1996 was most thrilling. More recently, Liu Xiang winning the 110m hurdles Olympic gold in Athens brought tremendous joy to me, as to many other track-and-field fans.
Will you be in Beijing for the opening ceremony?
I would very much love to be there if circumstances permit, although the equestrian events kick off on August 9 in Hong Kong [and that] may pose some time constraints.
We know you are a consummate diplomat, but we have to ask: Which athlete will you be cheering for the most?
Every sportsman who has endeavoured to qualify for the Games deserves to be honoured. But as a Chinese, I would definitely cheer for every Chinese and Hong Kong athlete.