2008年9月7日 星期日

Paralympics out to pull crowds

Sixty percent of tickets for the Paralympic equestrian events (殘奧馬術比賽) have been sold and 80 percent of those for schools distributed four days before the official start.


However, Assistant Commissioner for Transport Cindy Law Fung-ping wants more people in the stands.


"Preparation of hardware and software … is necessary and important," she said, "but audience support is also needed."


The September 7-11 events –– dressage competition with 73 riders from 28 countries –– will be watched "mostly by those who want to cheer the athletes on," said Equestrian Company chief executive Lam Woon-kwong.


Special arrangements have been made for convenient access for athletes with special needs, such as platforms for the athletes to mount their horses, and wheelchair ramps for those who cannot use stairs.


Repair stations for wheelchairs and prostheses will also be available.


A free shuttle bus will be available for spectators to and from University Station in Sha Tin. Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said a threat by a dozen airport workers to halt services for wheelchair-bound athletes due to overtime rate cuts is being followed up.


Adele Wong
The Standard,
3 September 2008


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