Wednesday, April 13, 2005
But can they do synchronized swimming?
Crowds Drawn to Pig Olympics in China
April 13, 2005 - AP
SHANGHAI, China - These pigs run, jump and swim — almost anything but fly. Thousands of Shanghai residents have turned out to a city park to watch a herd of pigs compete in what organizers are calling the "Pig Olympics."
They run over hurdles, jump through hoops, dive and swim in shows twice a day, according to the Shanghai Daily newspaper.
The pigs, a midget species from Thailand, begin training soon after birth and can start performing after they are 12 months old.
"These lovely pigs are of a special species that is good at sports by nature," said Yang Ying, a manager with promoters Bluesea Broadway Co. Ltd.
Pig races are common in many places, but heavily urban Shanghai offers few opportunities to see farm animals in action.
"It's incredible," said 8-year-old Tan Yizhou, who presented a gold medal to one of the winning pigs. "I never thought that a pig could be so clever." ¶ 11:48 AM
April 13, 2005 - AP
SHANGHAI, China - These pigs run, jump and swim — almost anything but fly. Thousands of Shanghai residents have turned out to a city park to watch a herd of pigs compete in what organizers are calling the "Pig Olympics."
They run over hurdles, jump through hoops, dive and swim in shows twice a day, according to the Shanghai Daily newspaper.
The pigs, a midget species from Thailand, begin training soon after birth and can start performing after they are 12 months old.
"These lovely pigs are of a special species that is good at sports by nature," said Yang Ying, a manager with promoters Bluesea Broadway Co. Ltd.
Pig races are common in many places, but heavily urban Shanghai offers few opportunities to see farm animals in action.
"It's incredible," said 8-year-old Tan Yizhou, who presented a gold medal to one of the winning pigs. "I never thought that a pig could be so clever." ¶ 11:48 AM
