Beijing Olympics

[Daffodil]

Isn't it about time that the equestrian authorities give serious thought to the wisdom of sending a team to Beijing. With something like 50,000 dead and the country being shaken again today by aftershocks, I do wonder whether both morally and practically, we should be there. I know the horse events are in Hong Kong, but that's still rather close for comfort.

 

[Bossanova]

I'm struggling to see what you mean really.

The Olympics will provide huge economic benefit to a struggling country. I'm not naive enough to think that the money will all be used for good because China doesnt work like that.

The risk of another quake is minimal and you have to remember that the Olympics are in state of the art buildings, not the old, poorly designed buildings which tend to crumple first and which do the damage.

 

[LEC]

An event that has been 8 years in the planning, has had billions spent on it and is seen as China's way of working alongside the west and not against it is not going to be cancelled.
Call me a cynic but I think the only way this Olympics would be cancelled is if China went to war with USA.

 

[weevil]

I don't see what the moral obligation would be, the olympic games will bring in money to the country and I certainly don't think it will be seen as insensitive to go ahead. Practically I can think of many more practical concerns then worrying over whether or not there will be another earthquake...

 

[annie083]

well said u guys!!! i don't know what you're talking about as the facilities here as Bossanova mentioned are 'state of the art'. they are absolutely amazing, much better than the majority of stables, arenas, vet clinics you will ever find! I don't know but I swear some people think Hong Kong as like a third world country or something?!? just because its not in europe doesn't mean our place is not capable of holding a big international event?!? I think those people ought to come out and look at our facilities!!!

 

[gloster_image]

I for one will be supporting the Olympics whole heartedly. And by the way I was born in Hong Kong and by dad still works there - they will NOT be having an earthquake and Hong Kong is one of my favourite places in the world and most definately deserves this chance to prove its potential.

 

[Rachel_M]

My family also lived in Hong kong, so I can not wait to see a beautiful city in the limelight!

I also agree with Boss; I very much doubt that the money, spent on funding the Olympics, would go anywhere else other than some bureaucrats pockets if it wasn't been filtered away to hold a world wide united sporting eventing, which brings great honour to the host country (as we'll be next time around) and is the pinnacle of many a sportsman's dreams!


I can't wait!

 

[hatters]

I just got back from Beijing, I was there during the earthquakes which were nearly 1000 miles away, did not feel the tremors at all. Beijing and Hong Kong are miles from the fault line where the earthquake was, so don't think there is anything to worry about!