The organizers of the 2008 Beijing Olympics announced a fence design competition to promote interest in the equestrian events. The equestrian competition at the Olympics will be held for the first time ever on Chinese soil, in Hong Kong.

Prospective designers should remember that the fences convey the themes of the Beijing Olympics, which are “Green Olympics,” “High-tech Olympics,” and “People’s Olympics,” as well as the brand images of Hong Kong, which include the attributes of “progressive,” “innovative,” and “cosmopolitan.” The judging criteria will be based on originality, adherence to topic/theme, and creativity.

China Ronnie Wong, the chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Jumping Fence Design Competition and Deputy Secretary General of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, said, “Jumping fences were an integral part of the visual enjoyment that the equestrian sport imparted to its spectators, and they vividly displayed the cultural identity of the host cities.”

The competition, which is open to all, comprises three categories—junior (under age 16), senior (age 16 or older) and professional. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category. Award-winning and finalist works will be displayed in Hong Kong.

Interested designers may visit http://www.equestrian2008.org/eng/promo_fence_e.aspx for details, rules and entry forms. Entries must be submitted with the required documents by post or by hand to the Equestrian Company on the 37th floor of Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. Entries are due on or before Feb. 28, 2007.