A competition organized by Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company called a public participation of both amateurs and professionals for the jumping fence design for the 2008 Olympic equestrian event in Hong Kong, according to its organizer's official website on Monday.

The winning entries' design concepts may be adopted in some of the jumping fences in the 2008 Olympic equestrian events.

Equestrian Company Manager (Competition) Wan Wai-yee said renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios will be the head judge of the competition. He designed the jumping course for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and has been chosen to design the course for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The jumping fences in the previous Olympic Games had showcased characteristics of the hosting countries and cities. For example, the Sydney games had jumps that resembled the country's representative icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and a kangaroo.

Miss Wan said although traditional Chinese icons can best represent China and Hong Kong, participants may also consider adding other elements in their design to convey the theme of the Beijing Olympics - Green Olympics, Hi-tech Olympics, the People's Olympics, and Hong Kong's cultural identity.

The design should reflect the country's and the city's modern image, she noted, adding that modern landmark buildings can be considered.

The contest comprises junior (under 16), senior (16 or above) and professional (existing design school students and those engaged in design-related work) categories.

The submission deadline is February 28.