an important part in securing approval for the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics to be held in Hong Kong. The club has built all the major venues for the Olympic equestrian events at its own cost, further underlining its commitment to the community's welfare. It will also make its equine hospital and laboratory facilities available during the Olympics and Paralympics.
Completed in record time of less than two years, the equestrian venues were put to the test in August 2007 during the 'Good Luck Beijing HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup' eventing competition, and received wide acclaim from visiting international experts. In recognition of its support, the club was named 'Outstanding Contributor, Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Equestrian Events' by the Beijing Organising Committee.
Hong Kong continued to strengthen its reputation in the horse racing world in 2007, with five locally-trained horses winning races at International Group One level. Vengeance Of Rain's victory in March at the Dubai Sheema Classic, the world's joint richest turf race, took the horse's career earnings to more than $70 million, setting a Hong Kong record.
The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin Racecourse in December saw some 24 top thoroughbreds from all over the world compete in four International Group One events on a single day for a total purse of $62 million, a spectacular day of sport which was broadcast to millions of racing fans around the world. Two of the trophies went to Hong Kong-trained horses, with Sacred Kingdom winning the Hong Kong Sprint and Good Ba Ba taking the Mile.
Recreational and Sports Programmes
The LCSD ran some 33 500 recreational and sports programmes for about 1.8 million participants of all ages and abilities during the year at a total cost of $107 million.
District Sports Teams Training Scheme
In order to generate greater community interest in sports and to foster a stronger sense of belonging among residents, the LCSD, in collaboration with the respective NSAs, formed basketball, football, handball and volleyball teams in 18 districts. About 11 600 young people took part in more than 260 events organised in 2007.
'Healthy Exercise for All' Campaign
The LCSD and the Department of Health continued to co-organise the 'Healthy Exercise for All' campaign. A variety of promotional activities including a series of roving exhibitions at shopping malls, schools, camps, youth and elderly centres, and a 16-week radio programme on Radio Television Hong Kong were organised to drive home the message that people of all ages should do daily exercise to stay healthy. Fitness programmes were drawn up for different target groups. The campaign also included hiking, walking, dancing and rope-skipping programmes. During the year, about 72 000 people took part in some 1 380 programmes of this kind.
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