Thousands register as 2008 Olympics volunteers

Applications have been flooding in for the post of volunteer for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong. Speaking at a “lighting up” ceremony in Tsuen Wan at the weekend, Equestrian Company Chief Executive Office WK Lam told those present that around 99% of the 3,600 applications were received online.

The first batch of 90 to 100 volunteers recruited will become trainer volunteers who are expected to serve from April next year until September 2008. In total, the equestrian events require around 1,800 volunteers to serve both in 2008 and also in the test event in August next year.

Mr Lam also reminded applicants that those who were not selected in the first round could still be chosen in the following two rounds of volunteer recruitment. Those interested in applying can do so at www.equestrian2008.org. The deadline is 22 December.

Meanwhile the equestrian facilities being built at Sha Tin for 2008 are coming along superbly, according to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s corporate development director Kim Mak Kin-wah.

“Given the late announcement in awarding the Olympics equestrian event to us, we had just two years to prepare,’ he said. “But with the fine weather this summer we are well within our proposed schedule.”

A club spokesman also added that the construction of a dozen exercise and trotting rings were already complete, but that the main equestrian event stadium and the media centre are still on hold for now whilst they wait to get hold of the site.

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