The equestrian events for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have been relocated to Hong Kong, President of Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) Liu Qi announced at the 117th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session on Friday.

Based on the best interests of the competition and the well- being of the horses, the IOC, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and BOCOG agreed on the relocation after constructive negotiations, said an IOC statement.

BOCOG believed that the Hong Kong venue will enhance the competition and the excitement of the 2008 Games, adding that the athletes, officials, media and spectators in Hong Kong are an integral part of the Beijing Games.

The statement quoted FEI President as saying that BOCOG has assured the federation of the provision of the best conditions for the riders and horses in Hong Kong, which remains its main objective.

With this agreement, the locations for all competitions during the 2008 Beijing Games have been finalized, according to Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission, who expressed his confidence in the change.

A working group comprising the relevant stakeholders will be established to determine the long-term and positive legacy for equestrian sport in China.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2005)