International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge believed Hong Kong will host a successful equestrian event during the 2008 Olympic Games, despite the temperature threat in August.

On a three-day visit to Hong Kong, Rogge said Monday that Hong Kong is a such beautiful and attractive city that there must be lots of people willing to visit here during the games.

"Don't worry for lack of concentration from the media and audience," Rogge said.

"Hong Kong is such a beautiful and attractive city and we will also adopt some special measures to help Hong Kong.

"Of course, I will come to Hong Kong during the games, " added he.

Rogge also said heat would not pose an insurmountable problem when the territory hosts the equestrian event during the 2008 Games.

"The fine schedule of the event, the time of the day at which the competitions will be held, will be adapted to the temperature," said Rogge.

"The International Federation for Equestrian Sports will advise riders that air-conditioned stables will be used and that the competition will be held during a part of the day when the temperature is appropriate."

As for concerns about the potentially high temperatures in Hong Kong when the equestrian event is held here, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said that Hong Kong's hot weather should not pose an insurmountable problem when it hosts the equestrian event during the 2008 Olympic Games.

Rogge said the International Federation for Equestrian Sports will advise riders that air-conditioned stables will be used and that the competition will be held during a part of the day when the temperature is appropriate.

"The fine schedule of the event, the time of the day at which the competitions will be held, will be adapted to the temperature," said Rogge.

A few riders have expressed concerns about the potentially high temperatures in Hong Kong.

The equestrian event was moved from Beijing to Hong Kong because of concerns about equine diseases in the mainland.

Beijing usually faced the similar problems for the summer temperatures as the temperature in Beijing was reported to be no less than 35 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) in recent days.

Source: Xinhua