Local hero makes heartfelt plea

SHANGHAI: "If you have a chance to visit the earthquake-hit area, please extend your arms and hug every child you meet," fencing Paralympian Jin Jing said here yesterday.

Jin became a household name after her display of courage in protecting the Olympic torch in Paris, when a pro-Tibet "independence" protester tried to snatch it from her.

Jin made the plea in her role as charity ambassador for Lenovo at a press conference ahead of the Olympic torch relay in Shanghai, her hometown.