Hong Kong has passed a searching examination by successfully co-hosting the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang says.

Speaking after the last medal event of the Equestrian Events, Mr Tang said he hoped Olympic officials, competitors and Hong Kong people are happy with the examination result.

"We are glad to see the participating teams fielding their best rider-horse combinations to showcase a gallery of marvellous competitions. I am sure we all experience the sophistication of equestrianism and the Olympic spirit," Mr Tang said.

He also expressed pride in the outstanding performance of the Mainland and Hong Kong teams who participated in the events for the first time.

Complicated project

On behalf of the Equestrian Committee and the Government Mr Tang thanked the organisations and people who contributed to the success of the events.

Noting this was the first time Hong Kong has held such a premier international sports event, Mr Tang said it was a highly complicated project.

In almost one month 218 horses arrived in, departed from, and were safely transferred between the venues. Hong Kong has received more than 3,000 athletes, technical and team officials, and other Olympic members, more than 30 international dignitaries, and 650 press.

Thirteen events were held successfully over 12 days at the Equestrian venues at Sha Tin and Beas River. More than 155,000 spectators enjoyed the events, with average attendance rate over 80%.

Only a few athletes and horses were slightly injured. All received prompt medical treatment.

Efforts hailed

International Olympic Committee, Federation Equestre Internationale, Beijing Organising Committee for the Games, the participating teams, spectators and the media all highly praised the organising work, Mr Tang added.

He said the result once again proved that even with tremendous challenges such as insufficient experience, tight schedules and difficult tasks, Hong Kong people can still rise to the challenge.

"Co-hosting the equestrian events is our contribution to the Olympic movement. It is also a spiritual legacy that will pass on to our future generations."