No obstacle: Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong (first from right), Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs Agnes Allcock (third from right), Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China President Timothy Fok (fourth from right) join guests at the Jumping Fence Design Contest launching ceremony.

A fence design contest for the 2008 Olympics show jumping event has been launched to boost public interest in the games.

The Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong) of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad Vice-President and Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, President Timothy Fok said the contest will educate Hong Kong people on the equestrian sport.

People can learn how to appreciate both the beauty and excitement of equestrian competition through the design contest. Jumping fences are also a good means to promote Hong Kong's brand images - cosmopolitan, progressive and innovative.

Open to all

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

The jumping fence design should 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 also give spectators enhanced visual pleasure and excitement.

Each entry should be submitted in a sealed envelope marked with "Jumping Fence Design Competition" to the the Equestrian Company at 37/F Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central by February 28. The collection office opens Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, except on public holidays.

Cash prizes

The judging criteria will be based on originality, adherence to topic or theme and creativity. Results will be announced at the 500-day Countdown Carnival on March 27.

Cash prizes of $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000 will be awarded in each category. Award-winning and finalist works will be displayed in public.

More details about the contest can be found here. Leaflets are available for collection from Bank of China (Hong Kong) branches.