Olympic countdown: Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (right) and other officials brief reporters on the equestrian events arrangements.

Thirty-five athletes will represent Hong Kong at the Beijing Olympics competing in swimming, track and field, cycling, badminton, equestrian, fencing, rowing, shooting, table tennis, windsurfing and triathlon events.

Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong Deputy Secretary-General Professor Leung Mee-lee said at a press conference today the Hong Kong team headquarters in Beijing opened on July 30 and cycling, rowing and table tennis team members have already arrived in the capital. Hong Kong's windsurfers are in Qingdao.

She said the Hong Kong squad will attend the flag-rising ceremony at the athletes' village on August 7 and the opening ceremony on August 8. They will return to Hong Kong on August 25.

Equestrian arrangements

Speaking on the equestrian events, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said the arrangements involve complex systems, adding the Government will balance ensuring the games' safety and facilitating the public to enjoy the contests.

Hong Kong Olympic & Paralympic Village Mayor Elsie Leung said 34 out of 42 national equestrian teams have checked in. The Olympic village opens until August 27 while the Paralympic village will run from August 28 to September 4.

On the venue rules, Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer WK Lam said no protests and activities involving commercial, political, religious and racial issues will be allowed. All spectators will undergo security checks and cannot bring in liquids, except small amount of sunscreen, insect repellent and medicine with labels. Drinks and food will be sold at the venues.

He advised spectators to arrive early to avoid late admission, and to check the latest schedule as some games may be postponed due to inclement weather. If the contests cannot be held as scheduled they will resume as soon as possible. Spectators can call 2107 9955 or visit the company's website to check the schedule.

Transport

Free shuttle bus services will be provided from University and Fanling MTR Stations. The service will start two hours before the competitions and end 90 minutes after the contests finish. The Mass Transit Railway will also adjust East Rail, Kwun Tong line and Tsuen Wan line services to facilitate spectators.

The Transport Department's Emergency Co-ordination Centre will closely monitor the situation and disseminate information to the public as soon as possible.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suen Kwai-leung said security measures for the events are in place, adding a special task force and crime team have been formed to ensure the venues' safety.

On the bomb attack in Xinjiang this morning, Mr Suen said Police will contact Mainland authorities to seek more information for analysis and risk assessment.

Noting Hong Kong's security threat is moderate, Mr Suen said Police have contingency plans covering the Olympic venues and the entire city.