ORGANISERS claim millions braved yesterday's heavy rain to get physical - and out-exercise Vancouver.
Far from putting a dampener on the event, the adverse weather seemed to motivate people to turn out and help ensure that the Hongkong flag waves over Vancouver City Hall - a reward for having more people per capita enter International Challenge Day. The challenge was a global event - held in 34 cities in 20 countries - to promote regular exercise and healthy living. Hongkong was competing with Vancouver.
Mrs Monica Chan Lee Shuk-yee, an Urban Services Department spokesman, claimed two million of Hongkong's 5.8 million population took part.
''We have our fingers crossed for victory,'' she said.
Activities were available at ''fitness corners'' set up in Statue Square, Wan Chai's Southorn Park, Victoria Park, and the Cultural Centre. Participants were expected to spend 15 minutes exercising.
Amid the street-sleepers and checker-players at Southorn Park, tai chi, croquet and rock-climbing made a novel sight, drawing large crowds of onlookers.