Athlete training will not be adversely affected by the possible temporary reprovisioning of the Sports Institute, Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho says.

He told legislators today the primary objective of the plan is to ensure that during the short reprovisioning period, athletes will be provided with a stable training environment that meets their needs. The Government will consult the athletes to formulate the best arrangements.

If Hong Kong is eventually chosen to stage equestrian events in the 2008 Olympics, the institute will have to be vacated from early 2007 to the end of 2008 so it can be converted into an Olympic-standard arena.

After the events, all indoor facilities and most of the outdoor ones will be reinstated and upgraded before being handed back to the institute.