The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has postponed a decision on Beijing’s proposal to move the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games equestrian events to Hong Kong, more than 1,240 miles from Beijing.
The Associated Press reports that the IOC said it needed more time to study the issue. Hein Verbruggen, head of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Beijing Games, is planning to talk with all sides to try to reach an agreement.
Beijing 2008 organizers said the risk of equine diseases and quarantine problems in Beijing were the reason for the proposal, but the International Equestrian Federation opposed the switch, saying it would have “very grave” repercussions for the sport.
IOC spokesperson Giselle Davies said, “the executive board will talk further to BOCOG to see if this disease issue is really insurmountable or if a solution can be found”. Although no time frame has been discussed, a decision will probably be made this summer, said Davies.
