Proud HKers cheer on SAR Olympians
The Hong Kong, China delegation to the Paris Olympics on Wednesday received a hero's welcome around town, with excited fans braving the rain to applaud the athletes on board two open-top buses. A 90-minute parade featured members of the team such as Paris gold medallist and fencing queen Vivian Kong and swimming star Siobhan Haughey, who took home two bronze medals. Hong Kong's only two-time Olympic champion, fencer Edgar Cheung, did not attend the parade. The two buses carrying the star-studded delegation set off from the Hong Kong Sports Institute in Sha Tin and passed by Tai Wai MTR station, the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower and the Central Star Ferry Pier, considered the best viewing locations. Shirley, one of hundreds of onlookers, voiced her support for the athletes. "All athletes are worthy of our attention, because everyone has to put in time and effort. Not just the champions and runners-up, but all Hong Kong athletes. They all deserve our applause," she said. A man surnamed Su was part of the enthusiastic crowds in Tsim Sha Tsui. "I was so excited. It was amazing. I yelled the loudest at the scene. I cheered for Vivian Kong, Siobhan Haughey, and Hong Kong. I told Vivian Kong not to cry, and to give us smiles," he said.  Dan, who's from California, said: "I think it's great. Hong Kong needs to support its athletes and its sports people more.  "This is a good way to meet the people of Hong Kong." The athletes received roaring applause as they arrived at Tamar Park. Alice, 11, said she got an autograph from Haughey towards the end of the parade.  "I think that she is very perseverant. When she sets a goal, she won't give up. I also swim, so we are kind of the same person," she said.  "[The athletes] did a great job and I want them to keep going and never give up."  The SAR team bagged two gold and two bronze medals at the Paris Games.