Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong

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Special Notes on Equestrian Events

Travel Time

•	You should aim to arrive at the venue entrance at least one to two hours before the event starts, keeping in mind the large crowds traveling to venues and the time needed to go through security screening at the venue entrance.
•	The first event shuttle bus will depart from the Shuttle Bus Terminus two hours before the start of a session.
•	To cope with the event, MTR will extend its service hours. More information about special public transport arrangement for the event can be found here.

Live Performances

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Performances by local schools, performing groups and drumming bands, etc. and video displays about how to watch the events will be provided in the Sha Tin venue about 1 hour before competition starts, and during the break time for Dressage (for re-marking the centre line after every 8-9 competitions).

Weather Conditions

•	Check the weather forecast before going to the venue.
•	If it is hot, drink plenty of water or beverages free of caffeine and alcohol to guard against dehydration.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

•	Apply DEET-containing insect repellent to clothes and exposed body parts.

What to Wear or Bring

•	Both venues are outdoors, so be prepared for the hot summer sun and rain:

	•	cap or broad-brimmed hat, loose clothing which is light-coloured and long-sleeved, sunglasses, sunscreen with a protection factor of 15 or above are recommended. Reapply sunscreen after sweating.
	•	Poncho/raincoat are recommended.

•	Walking shoes are recommended as you need to walk long distances to watch the competition.
•	High-heeled shoes are not allowed in the Cross-Country venue.
•	Travel light – a small backpack is recommended.
•	To enhance your viewing, a lightweight pair of binoculars would be useful.
•	Spectators can listen to radio commentary in English (FM 103.2MHz) and Cantonese (FM 106.7MHz) at the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin). Please bring your own radio or mobile phone with radio function, together with a set of earpiece to ensure no disturbance to others. Radios and earpieces are not provided to spectators in the venue.

Money at Venues

•	Only cash on Hong Kong dollars and Visa cards will be accepted at the venues.
•	There is no money exchange service at the venues. Please bring along sufficient Hong Kong currency.

Personal Care

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Please take good care of yourself and your personal property to prevent accidental injuries and unnecessary loss of your property. The Organizer will not be responsible for any loss or damage to any personal belongings whether or not such loss or damage is caused by the negligence on the part of the organizer, its servants or agents.

Smoking

•	Smoking is allowed only at the designated smoking areas in the competition venues.

	•	Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin): One behind the Spectator Stand of Section 101-103 and the other at the South-east corner behind the Spectator Stand of Section 104-107.
	•	Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Beas River): There will be one near to each of the four Spectator Facilities.

Watching Cross-Country Competition

•	The Cross-Country competition is not a typical spectator sport because spectators do not sit in a stadium, and you cannot see the entire course from one location. To best enjoy the competition, you are encouraged to move along the course (outside of the white line) rather than staying in one place.
•	If weather permit, there will be a stamp collection game for spectators. We'll reward you with a souvenir for sufficient number of stamps collected. Details will be given on the game card that will be distributed at the Ticket Check point on the date of the Cross-Country competition.

Check for Last-Minute Announcements

•	The competition may be rescheduled in extreme weather conditions. So please check for last-minute announcements on our website, local TV and radio stations. You can also call our spectator enquiry hotline, (852) 2107-9955 for update.

Acknowledgements: we would like to thank Getty Images, the Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong Jockey Club, FEI,
Riding for the Disabled Association Limited, Xinhua & Fung Kai Yan for providing some of the pictures for this website

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