The Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong) of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad announced in Hong Kong on Sunday that the Beijing Organizing Committee has appointed Ms. Elsie Leung as the vice-mayor of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Leung will be responsible for the management, operation and services of the Hong Kong Village, and ensure that the overall demands of the organization and operation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games can be met.

Henry Tang, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, congratulated Leung on her appointment and looked forward to working together with her to ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events be successfully held and meet the nation's trust and expectation.

The operational plan for the village, including its layout, the services to be provided to National Olympic Committees, security arrangements and room allocation proposals, has been approved by the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Organizing Committee. A detailed plan for all village services is expected to be finalized this month.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2008)