BLIA Backing Black

After 24 years of winning the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand’s All Blacks are the champions again in this exciting year of 2011. A victory parade that toured in Auckland now continued to Christchurch on October 25, two days after the Rugby World Cup 2011 finals, where the All Blacks player met with the fans with the Web Ellis Cup.

Earthquake damage meant Christchurch missed out of hosting Rugby World Cup matches, but the All Blacks hoped today's tour would include residents in the tournament. When the All Blacks reached the Christchurch Airport, security staff gathered around and clapped as captain Richie McCaw stood on the tarmac with his team and the Webb Ellis Cup. Outside the airport fans lined the team's route to their bus, with children perched on shoulders to get a glimpse of their heroes.

The All Blacks, who defeated France in the World Cup final on Sunday, were flown from Auckland on a special Air New Zealand airbus painted black and with silver fern detail. City mayor Bob Parker encouraged as many Cantabrians as possible to take the time to come to the team's parade and celebrate their incredible sporting achievement.

Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island upcoming vice-president Gina Chen, director Susan Wu and Benny Wong together with members Feifei Lei and Ding Lihson gave their support in participating the parade at Hagley Park. The parade attended by thousands gave Christchurch an involvement and an open heart in the inclusion of the Rugby World Cup not only hosted by New Zealand but being champions this year.

The parade started from the corner of Rolleston Ave and Hereford St at 3.30pm and moved north on Rolleston Ave, continuing on Park Tce to the corner of Bealey Ave. It ended up at the Fanzone in North Hagley Park where the All Blacks were on stage at 4pm.