Members of a depleted China team talk to Alison Healy about SARS and their footballing aspirations.
Confusion reigned in Bray after the SARS headlines began appearing earlier this year. At first the Chinese athletes were coming to Bray. Then they weren't.
Then they were, but all the arrangements had been cancelled.
The Wicklow town was originally expecting a team of more than 100 athletes, coaches and officials. When the Irish Government expressed concerns about SARS, Special Olympics China halved the athlete numbers.
The number was finally whittled down to 45 and 15 of these have been in Bray since Sunday. The remaining 30 people will arrive tomorrow, and will just have a chance to smell the Bray sea air before being whisked back to Dublin on Friday for the start of the Games.
Yesterday, the Chinese soccer players enjoyed a spot of training with the local Ardmore Rovers. But the Chinese team has bigger fish to fry. "We would like a friendly challenge match with your national team," said coach Mr Hua Xue, through his interpreter.
The Chinese players have been following the progress of the Irish team with great interest and would love to meet the players, explained Mr Lu Zhixin, Chinese head of delegation.
When the Government asked the Chinese delegation to stay away from the Games, they were "a bit sad" that they would not have an opportunity to visit the country of one of their favourite teams, he said.
"Our players are fans of the Irish footballers and really wanted to come here because of that," he said, through his interpreter. "The Irish team is very good, very strong."
And who would win the challenge match? "It's not important. It's the participation that counts," Mr Hue said, echoing the Special Olympics philosophy.
The Chinese group is fortunate to have the 24-hour assistance of a Chinese volunteer. DCU student Ms Ning Sun is from northern China and is their delegate assistant liaison.
"I help with everything from the small things such as helping them with a postcard to showing them where to do laundry or helping them with food."
The different food cultures sparked a few mini-crises at first but a trip to the Asian market in Dublin for a different variety of rice helped matters. "Last night we had soup before our meal, but in China we have the soup at the end of the meal so that was strange for them," explained Ms Sun.
But whatever about the dinner, the full Irish breakfast was a big hit with the Chinese contingent. "They really loved the rashers and sausages and pudding," Ms Sun said.
The delegation is staying in the Royal Hotel in Bray, a decision made for safety and security reasons.
The whole SARS experience was "terrible", volunteer Mr Paddy Murphy said. "We cancelled all the arrangements, everything. We really thought that was the end of it." When it came to re-organising everything, things had changed and entertainers were on holidays or had other bookings.
Mr Pat Vance, Bray host town committee chairman, said there had been a terrific atmosphere around Bray since the athletes arrived.
The athletes have settled in well to their temporary home, Mr Lu Zhixin said.
"Our first feeling was that the people were very friendly and enthusiastic.
"The people on the Bray committee have been very kind. And the environment is so good - Ireland is just like a big garden."
When the soccer players are asked if they are happy with their visit, they all answer "Shi", meaning yes. And do they expect to win medals? "We are very confident to win," said Mr Hue. "We would like gold or silver. But participation is the best victory."