With the 300-day countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Hong Kong will launch a new wave of promotion programmes focusing on four areas to promote the Olympic spirit in the city.

Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau said the areas are major celebration activities; education, community involvement, sports and cultural activities; publicity programmes; and city dress-up.

There will be a Beijing-Qingdao-Hong Kong 2008 Olympic Games Co-host Cities Sports Exchange Programme in West Kowloon and Ma On Shan October 13 and 14.

Teachers and students from 12 tertiary institutes will visit the naval base at Stonecutters Island tomorrow and attend an extravaganza in the evening to celebrate the 300-day countdown.

The event is jointly organised by the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison and the Hong Kong Youth Activities Committee. In the evening, the Home Affairs Bureau and Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee will co-host a 300-day countdown ceremony at the Cultural Centre Piazza.

The Hong Kong International Horse Show series will be held from tomorrow to November 4 at Beas River Country Club in Sheung Shui featuring equestrian contests, a carnival and exhibition.

Olympic atmosphere

Mrs Yau said: "We hope the Olympic atmosphere will be built up through these activities. We believe these activities will attract a large audience and help promote the image of Hong Kong as a co-host city.

"Mass participation is one of the distinguishing features of the Beijing Olympic Games. To Hong Kong people, participation in the Olympic Games is not confined to athletes, volunteers or the audience. The public can participate in the Olympic Games in various ways, feeling the Olympic atmosphere and sharing the joy.

"Our strategy is community involvement and we are actively communicating with the private sector, in particular the official sponsors of the Olympic Games, with a view to partnering in their promotional activities relating to the Olympics.

"With 'One World One Dream' in our mind, I am sure Hong Kong will be able to pool all strengths with all stakeholders in fostering the spirit of Olympism advocated under the Olympic Charter."