The Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong) of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad announced here Sunday that the Beijing Organizing Committee has appointed Ms. Elsie Leung as the deputy mayor of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Leung will be responsible for the management, operation and services of the Hong Kong Village, and ensure that the overall demands of the organization and operation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games can be met.

Henry Tang, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, congratulated Leung on her appointment and looked forward to working together with her to ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events be successfully held and meet the nation's trust and expectation.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Village is an important component of the Equestrian Events." said Tang, who is also president of the equestrian committee, adding: "Ms Leung is the best choice to take charge of the Hong Kong village because she has always been dedicated to serving the community and her full experience and excellent leadership in administrative management was widely respected."

The operational plan for the village, including its layout, the services to be provided to National Olympic Committees, security arrangements and room allocation proposals, has been approved by the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Organizing Committee. A detailed plan for all village services is expected to be finalized this month.