Hong Kong will join hands with Beijing to make the Olympic dream come true, Vice-President Zeng Qinghong says.

Touring the Jockey Club's Sha Tin facilities today, the second of his three-day visit, Mr Zheng said Hong Kong will make every effort to ensure the success of the 2008 Olympic equestrian events.

On tour: Vice-President Zeng Qinghong visits the 2008 Olympic Games equestrian venue, an Ngau Tau Kok family, and the Cheerful Court elderly centre.

Accompanied by Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Mr Zheng was greeted by Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho and Jockey Club officials.

He inspected the Sha Tin Racecourse balcony and was briefed on the club's $62 million state-of-the-art racing laboratory that will provide services to test Olympic horses and competitors for prohibited substances.

The party also visited the club's Equine Hospital, which will also be used during the games.

Family visit

Mr Zheng then visited a family in Tak Bo Garden, Ngau Tau Kok, and Cheerful Court, the Housing Society's purpose-built complex for seniors in Kwun Tong. In the afternoon, he visited the Monetary Authority's Resource Centre at Two International Finance Centre.

During the family visit, he was pleased to learn the household owner Mr So volunteered to serve the community. He said mutual support and harmony are important elements of society. Mr Zheng also cited Hong Kong's high efficiency and speed as examples of strengths the people should strive to maintain.

At Cheerful Court he stressed the need for respect for the elderly, who he said are a great asset to society, adding the provision of elderly care is of universal concern. He also toured the 57-bed space care centre, and presented two massage chairs, 220 blood-pressure test kits and a tapestry as gifts to the residents.