The Hong Kong Olympic and the Paralympic Equestrian Events was a great success.  The Hong Kong Observatory, responsible for providing information of real-time weather observation, weather forecast and warning of the competition venues, was much relieved.

During the days of Olympic Events, Hong Kong experienced hot, humid weather with occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms.  The days before and on the last day of the event witnessed the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kammuri and Typhoon Nuri respectively but fortunately the competitions were completed as scheduled.

The Hong Kong Observatory started preparation for this important task a few years ago.  Besides developing a set of international standard equipment for monitoring of the heat stress for horses, the Observatory also set up weather observation and forecasting teams responsible for this occasion.  The Equestrian weather forecasters, besides making regular weather forecasts for the competition venues, also kept close contacts with the Equestrian Company and the veterinary representative of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) through a dedicated telephone line to assist the Equestrian Company to set the event schedules and make venue arrangements.

After the Events, the Observatory received much praise from relevant organizations such as the Equestrian Company, the veterinary representative of the FEI, etc.  The veterinary representative of the FEI, Dr. Leo Jeffcott, said that many of his colleagues, government officials and competitors he met were very impressed by the accuracy of the forecasts made by the Hong Kong Observatory.

The Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr. LAM Chiu-ying (right), and the veterinary representative of the FEI, Dr. Leo Jeffcott, shared their experiences.

Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr. WAI Hon-gor (middle), the representatives from the Equestrian Company and the veterinary representative of the FEI held a joint press conference to brief the weather conditions during the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Events.

The Hong Kong Observatory's Equestrian Weather Forecasters were conducting a simulation exercise with various government departments and related organizations to provide the required weather information.

Hong Kong Observatory's Equestrian Weather Observer was checking the equipment for monitoring of the heat stress for horses.