Volunteers for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events, though coming from different backgrounds and professions, share the same vision and enthusiasm - to be a part of the historic moment.

The Information Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR government yesterday arranged six volunteers for the equestrian events to meet the media.

The opportunity to be able to play a part at the events, which are to be held in Hong Kong, is the chance of a lifetime, the volunteers said, adding they will cherish the memory for a very long time.

Some 18,000 applied to be volunteers for the events. Only 1,800 volunteers were chosen after a stringent selection process and underwent a series of training.

Among them, Alice Lee, a retired police chief inspector who plans to devote her post-retirement life to volunteer services, had also worked as a volunteer at last year's trial event.

Given her background in the police force, she is assigned to the security department conducting dope tests on riders. She said she is pleased to be a volunteer because it is very meaningful.

"It is the chance of a lifetime to be a volunteer for any Olympic events, and the fact that the equestrian events will be held in Hong Kong makes it even more remarkable," she said.

Formerly an engineer, Suk Chan left her job after getting married. She has been a "full-time volunteer" since.

As she has experience in riding, she has been assigned to the competition department, which gives her direct involvement in the races.

Although volunteers are only paid enough for their uniforms, transportation and meals, she reckons that helping in the equestrian events is an invaluable opportunity. "The memory of the events will be priceless."

Ian Lam, a young-looking businessman, said it is an invaluable opportunity to have the Olympic equestrian events being held in Hong Kong and that is why he wanted to play a part in it and witness the whole process.

As he speaks fluent German and French, he will be providing interpretation services for the guests and athletes.

Asked if they were afraid of terrorist attacks, they said they were not bothered by that because they have had fire and evacuation drills.

"You need to have confidence in our police force," the retired chief inspector enthused.

"We don't worry too much because the risk assessment level remains moderate and police have mobilized heavy manpower for the equestrian events," she added.

(HK Edition 08/07/2008 page1)