Chinese Lions entertain Eden shoppers

5:46pm Sunday 24th August 2008

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BLACK and golden Chinese lions paraded through the streets of Wycombe this afternoon as part of a ceremony to mark the Olympic handover.

The brightly coloured animal performers symbolised the switch from the Beijing games to London.

At the end of the parade a flag, carried by six young sportsmen, was raised outside Wycombe District Council.

High Wycombe was one of 500 locations to simultaneously raise a London 2012 banner, including HM Armed Forces, worldwide embassies, City Halls, British Council offices and Foreign and Commonwealth offices.

Shoppers at the Eden centre watched as the parade, accompanied by the crash of drums and cymbals, made its way through the town.

Paul Horseman, chairman of Micklefield Judo Club, one of those involved in the event, said: "It's great to be part of it because it's a worldwide event and I think London 2012 will be fantastic.

"The results in the judo weren't particularly good this time round but hopefully it will be better at the next games."

Cllr Roger Wilson, Chairman of WDC gave a speech to kick off the event.

He said: "I would like in particular to praise all the athletes with local connections for their wonderful performance.

"As a district we won no less than two gold medals and one silver - that puts Wycombe district ahead of many nations in the medals league table in fact we came 24."

He delivered a message from Olympians Katherine Grainger, a silver medallist and Sarah Winckless which read: " Our association with Wycombe district has spanned many years and we would like to thank everyone for the wonderful messages that they have sent us whilst we have been away competing in Beijing."

Clive Loveday,16, of Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe, was one of the six flag bearers.

The Marlow Rowing club member said: "It was a really exciting parade and drew in a good crowd.

"It was good to be part of the start of the Olympics, hopefully I will be there at London 2012 racing myself."

Keith and Eileen Dean, retired, of Great Kingshill, High Wycombe said it was an eye-catching event.

Eileen said: "I thought it was impressive and very well organised, one of the most exciting things we have had in Wycombe. I would like to see it again."

Husband Keith added: " They were certainly enthusiastic, the lions, it was very good and colourful too."