In a bid to stir up more excitement about the Beijing Games, organizers plan to establish Olympic cultural plazas in Beijing and co-host cities during next August's Games.

Hong Kong, which will host the Olympic equestrian events, agreed last weekend to set up two such plazas in popular spots downtown, treating Hong Kong residents to live entertainment and exhibitions on the sidelines of the Games.

"We will have one plaza in Hong Kong Island's Victoria Park and another in the New Territory's Shatin Park," said Carrie Yau, permanent secretary for Home Affairs of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. "Both parks are frequently visited by Hong Kongers."

International Olympic Committee has insisted that Olympic host cities promote greater public participation through Olympic-themed plazas after the initial success of a similar project at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Beijing is planning to build 26 such plazas with LCD screens citywide. Each of the co-host cities will also set up at least one plaza of their own.

"We hope the first agreement to set up an Olympic cultural plaza in Hong Kong will serve as a model for other cities," said Zhao Dongming, director of BOCOG's Culture and Ceremonies Department.

Jiang Xiaoyu, BOCOG's executive vice-president, signed the agreement on behalf of the organizing committee.

"Through a combination of sports and cultural activities at the Olympic cultural plaza, we would love to see more members of the public share in the exciting moments of the Beijing Olympics," he said.