The Olympic equestrian venue in Sha Tin is undergoing alterations to assist riders participating in next week's Paralympic dressage events.

Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong said at a press conference yesterday that the alterations will include making it easier for those in wheelchairs to get around.

A slope has been added in the competition arena for the riders to get on their horses, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said yesterday.

A specially made medal presentation stage will also be used during the event, Lam said.

In the Paralympic village, where the riders will reside during the competition, 48 rooms have been made wheelchair accessible.

Lam said that about 30 of the riders require wheelchairs.

"We will ensure the safety and convenience of the riders," he said.

There are 73 riders and 71 horses participating in the five-day dressage competition.

There will be 5,000 tickets available for each session.

Lam said that 60 percent of the public tickets have been sold, while the 80 percent reserved for schools have been distributed.

He expects spectators will be impressed by the riders' performances.

"I believe the spectators already have experience with dressage (from the Olympics)," he said, adding that most who will watch the Paralympics are coming more to support the riders than to be entertained. "It's going to be an educational experience for the spectators."

A total of 2,200 police officers will be deployed during the competition, for which the terrorist threat level still remains "moderate".

"There is no past record showing that the Paralympics have been the target of terrorism," said Ng Ka-sing, chief superintendent of the Police Public Relations Branch.

Spectators are advised to arrive at the venue two hours before the competition begins each day for security checks.

Shuttle-bus service will be provided between the University MTR station and the venue.

Assistant Commissioner for Transport Cindy Law expects traffic congestion.

"During the Olympic equestrian events, the traffic in the vicinity of the University station was busy, and the traffic queue sometimes extended to Tolo Highway," she said. "It is anticipated that the traffic flow will be very busy after the commencement of the new school term."

Meanwhile, Hong Kong athletes participating in the Paralympics left for Beijing yesterday.

Hong Kong athletes won 19 medals in Athens four years ago.

But Jenny Fung, with the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and the Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, said the team may win half as many this year, as "the strength of other teams, especially China, are getting stronger. Competition is stiff".

(HK Edition 09/03/2008 page1)