The Chinese gymnastic team, comprising of 18 athletes including Li Xiaopeng, Yang Wei and Chen Yibing, presented a charity performance Monday to raise funds for the Qinghai earthquake victims.

The 20-session performance from the national athletes of artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and acrobatic gymnastics team, received enthusiastic ovation from the Hong Kong audience.

"They are so amazing," said Fan Zihua, a Hong Kong resident. "It appeares to be more amazing than that on TV."  The big names in the team, such as Olympic champions Li Xiaopeng, nicknamed "gymnastic prince", Chen Yibing, the new captain of men's artistic team and Zou Kai, triple gold medalist in the 2008 Games, were warmly welcomed by the local people.

The Chinese Athletes Educational Foundation (CAEF) which organized the show said the major part of the proceeds from the event would be donated to the Qinghai earthquake victims, while the other part would be used by CAEF and the Hong Kong Gymnasts Charitable Foundation.

"I hope we can all do what we could to help the people there to get over the disaster and rebuild their home," said Edward Lau, a Hong Kong resident. "I wish they could repair the broken heart and return to normal life as soon as possible."

(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2010)