Cartoon character brings joy to AYG athletes

 Yes, it is a pig's life after all!

At the Asian Youth Games Athletes' Village Cultural Activities Area, an adorable pink pig can be seen clapping, kicking and bouncing up and down. Its cheerfulness is infectious, pulling in the attention of everyone who passes by.

Athletes passing through the Cultural Area are all stopping to say hello and to take photos.

Just who is this adorable pig?

None other than Hong Kong's own McDull.

The loveable cartoon pig, originally created in Hong Kong by Alice Mak and Brian Tse, the character has appeared in his own cartoons, has a huge following in Hong Kong and is as popular locally as Mickey Mouse.

What everyone doesn't know is that the person playing McDull inside the full-sized costume is Li Aijun, 17, a junior at Xuanwu Secondary Technical School.

Initially planning to be a volunteer for the Asian Youth Games, when Li found that missed the enrollment date, she was understandably disappointed.

So when the Organizing Committee staff asked Li if she would like to play the role of McDull, she jumped at the chance and began her "life" as a very special volunteer at the Asian Youth Games.

Despite the air conditioning at the Athletes' Village, every time Li takes off her costume, she is drenched in sweat. Although bulky, Li's manifestation of McDull is amazingly nimble and is constantly running and jumping.

She sometimes has to welcome the audience of dozens or carry out impromptu gags outside under the scorching Nanjing sun. As August being the hottest time of year in Nanjing, one can only imagine how exhausting it must be to be a cartoon pig.

"Being able to bring happiness to athletes is my greatest achievement. I feel so special whenever they come and hug me or shake my hand," she said.