The Government plans to seek $150 million to promote the Olympic spirit in Hong Kong, to tie in with the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the equestrian events to be staged in Hong Kong.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Donald Tong said the money will be used to organise city-wide carnivals and community participation activities and launch publicity programmes.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Thomas Chow said the carnivals will include the torch relays and live sites.

Torch relays are an important means of promoting the games and the Olympic spirit. Before the relays, activities will be organised to publicise the events.

On the day of the relay, in addition to the kick-off and closing ceremonies, there will be a major community celebration programme.

During the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games period, the Government plans to set up live sites at Victoria Park and Sha Tin Park.

Through giant-screen television broadcasts and diversified cultural and entertainment activities at the sites, local residents will have an opportunity to watch the Olympic programmes.

Exhibitions and cultural programmes on the theme of horses, sports and Olympics will be organised in 2008. A special exhibit will be held at the Heritage Museum with more than 100 artifacts from the British Museum that portray the story of the ancient Olympics and their relationship with the modern games.

Other planned events include "Horses in Chinese Culture", an exhibit to be held at the Museum of History, and another entitled "How Sport Works" featuring about 20 interactive exhibits at the Science Museum.