Glittering display: Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau views lanterns featuring the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem in Sha Tin Park.

Sha Tin has been lit up with glittering lighting and lanterns to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Olympic promotional messages are being featured to usher in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the Olympic equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong.

Officiating at the switch-on ceremony in Sha Tin Park today, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau said most of the lighting this year used light-emitting diodes - an environmental-friendly device - to demonstrate the spirit of a green Olympics.

"The Beijing Olympic Games is the first-ever Olympic Games held on Chinese soil and Hong Kong is presented a precious opportunity to co-host the Olympic equestrian events. As one of the equestrian venues is located in Sha Tin, residents can experience the Olympic atmosphere and share the joy of the Olympic Games more strongly and directly. The Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin will launch Olympic-themed lighting in summer next year to welcome the competitors and audience," she said.

Mrs Yau called on the public to support and partake in Olympic promotional events to boost the Olympic spirit and Hong Kong's vitality and vibrancy.