THE Shenzhen Guangming International Equestrian Center, a venue for the 15th National Games, has drawn acclaim from global equestrian leaders for its world-class facilities and operational excellence. Ingmar De Vos, president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), expressed admiration for the venue after attending the dressage events last week. “It’s been 12 years since my last visit to Shenzhen — the city’s transformation is remarkable. This equestrian center is magnificent,” he said. Spanning 50,000 sqm, the center features a standard competition arena, permanent seating for 850 spectators, temporary stand space, professional stables, training grounds, and accommodations for athletes. De Vos, highlighting the progress of Chinese riders, stated, “We’ve seen a significant rise in standards. This center has a very bright future — not only for competitions but also for training and education. It is set to become a key hub for the sport.” He added that the FEI looks forward to partnering with Guangming to support the growth of equestrianism in China. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, also praised the center. “The design, facilities, and operations are all of world-class standard. The staff are highly trained,” he said. Emphasizing Shenzhen’s potential to become a leading equestrian hub, he said, “With such facilities, the city has a unique opportunity to host regular competitions and engage the public. We are committed to helping build an equestrian cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.” Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, echoed these sentiments during his visit Monday. He noted that the center will provide valuable training opportunities for Hong Kong athletes. “Hong Kong people have a strong affection for equestrian sports. With facilities like these, our athletes can train and compete at a higher level,” Fok said. (SD-Xinhua) | 