Hong Kong join biggest party in the world on a night of unity
Brazil’s woes forgotten as opening ceremony casts spell at fabled Maracana Stadium
If there’s one thing the Brazilians do know how to get right, it is how to throw a party. And for invited guests it would be downright rude, if not folly, to refuse to join in.
You can always trust the Brazilians to put on a great party, that’s what we did – joined a flamboyant party today
And so Hong Kong’s 41-strong delegation – 22 athletes and 19 officials – for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony willingly indulged in probably the greatest party they’ve ever attended, and watched by a global audience of close to 3 billion people.
“You can always trust the Brazilians to put on a great party, that’s what we did – joined a flamboyant party today,” said Hong Kong chef de mission Kenneth Fok Kai-kong.
“Our athletes enjoyed themselves, took pictures, mingled with others and danced together. It was a great experience.”
Looking smart in their white jackets, Hong Kong were represented by six sports – aquatics, badminton, fencing, rowing, table tennis and windsurfing.
The remaining athletes sat out the ceremony, a stunning spectacle that attacked senses right from the start with digital imagery previously unseen on such a massive and grand scale.