The Paralympic flame was lit up at the equestrian venue in Sha Tin, Hong Kong on Saturday night.

Prior to that, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, held a welcome reception to coincide with the opening ceremony of the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing on Saturday.

Led by the Hong Kong Police silver band, representatives from 28 countries and regions participating in the Beijing Paralympic Games equestrian events entered the venue.

Speaking at the welcome reception, President of the Equestrian Committee of Hong Kong Michael Suen said that the concepts of transcendence, integration and equality as enshrined in the Paralympic spirit burn brightly in the hearts of people around the world.

"In Beijing, and here in Hong Kong, we are determined to stage two Games with equal splendor," said Suen.

He also said that Hong Kong has always been proud of her Paralympians and their achievements on the international stage.

"Their courage and determination to excel in the international sporting arena is an inspiration to us all," he added.

Suen reaffirmed that Hong Kong will do the best to ensure the success of the Paralympic equestrian.

There were a string of performances including spectacular dancing, tai-chi performance, singing, piano solo and traditional lion dance during the reception.

Together with Hong Kong Children's choir, local pop singer Kelly Chan sang the Equestrian Theme Song "Flying High, Dance Together". Chan, also a sports lover, said that she admires the athletes very much for their perseverance.

When a live broadcast of the Beijing Paralympic opening ceremony was shown on screen at about 8:00 PM, the audience cheered and applauded putting the atmosphere to utmost.

At about 11:00 PM, the six-meter-high cauldron standing up the equestrian venue at Sha Tin was lit up with the Paralympic flame.

The Paralympic Equestrian will be launched on September 7. A total of 73 riders from 28 countries and regions will vie for 11 gold medals during the five-day event.

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2008)