HONG KONG -- During five-day Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong, spectators have enjoyed their time at the Sha Tin equine venue by showing support to paralympic-riders and tasting the ambience of the Games.
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Ann Cathrin Lubbe of Norway (L) and Georgia Bruce of Australia celebrate with their silver and bronze medals respectively after competing in the equestrian individual freestyle test grade IV at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Hong Kong September 10, 2008. [Agencies]
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"It's great! Wonderful!" said Hong Kong citizen Leung Mo Yee who specially took a half day-off from work to watch the Paralympic equestrian competitions. Leung said it was a scarce opportunity for Hong Kong to hold such a large-scale sport event and was absolutely worth supporting.
Coming from different walks of life, many spectators shared the same sentiment of Leung and having an enjoyable time at the Sha Tin venue, one of them was school teacher Miss Lau.
"I think it's just marvelous," said Lau who also watched the Olympic Equestrian last month, adding that Paralympic riders fully presented their persistence in the performances.
Among the spectators, there were quite a lot of disabled people and they also had a good time attending in the events. Forty members from the Hong Kong Physically Handicapped and Able-bodied Association went to enjoy the dressage tests.
"The overall feedback was good. They thought it was a great experience to have participated in the Paralympic as a spectator," Michael Cheung Ling-fung, Assistant Supervisor of the Association, said that their members were especially happy about the atmosphere and barrier-free facilities provided at the venue.
The 2008 Para-equestrian events have a dual meaning to the Chinese people as it is the first time for China to host such an event and the first time for Chinese riders to show up in the arena.
With spectators waving Chinese national flags and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flags, and giving big hands, the two Chinese riders contending on their home soil never lack fans to cheer for them.
Local spectator Mr. Yip described Nelson Yip Siu-hong as a "sunshine rider" who has brightened up Hong Kong as he opened up a new page for the Paralympic horse sport in the city.
Miss Chan, a volunteer from the Riding for the Disabled Association Limited of Hong Kong, went to give support to Nelson Yip on purpose. She said that the events were fabulous, and in fact, every rider did very well.
Hong Kong people's zest made Peng Yulian, rider representing the China, fill with joy, "The atmosphere was good and they are so passionate."
