Have Fun in Paralympic Village

Source: CRI | 09-14-2008 14:52

The Paralympic Village that is now housing more than 4,000 athletes from all over the world to participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games opened its door for a special group of guests Saturday.

Spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry Liu Jianchao (Left) takes pictures with Guo Tingting, a student from hard  quake-hit city of Dujiangyan on Saturday, September 13,  2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Participating in a special activity organized by China's Foreign Ministry, the visitors, including thirty four local residents with disabilities and three students who became disabled in the Sichuan earthquake, were granted an opportunity to cheer with the Paralympic athletes.

Guo Tingting, a student from Juyuan Middle School in Dujiangyan, said she was happy to be with so many new friends.

"Their experience and spirit really moved me. We all have disabilities, but their courage to never bow to difficulties is admirable. They set good examples and I hope I can do as well as them in the future."

It??s the first time that Li Ting, a handicapped volunteer from Beijing, has come to the village. She was impressed with the facilities there and said she felt greater care for the disadvantaged people from society.

"The activity shows the great importance that the government attaches to the handicapped people. I'm honored to be here."

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (second row, center), President of China Paralympic Committee Wang Xinxian  (second row, left) and an official of the Paralympic Village (second row, right) take photos with children from Sichuan province on Saturday, September 13, 2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH. com]

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi addressed the visitors before the tour. He acclaimed the spirit borne by the athletes attending the Beijing Games, saying their dedication and determination were respectable.

"China will continue to be dedicated to the development of the undertakings for the handicapped and the Ministry is to further boost the exchange and cooperation on the related areas with other countries," he added.

Yang also encouraged the disabled children from the hard quake-hit areas to learn the athletes and rebuild the confidence of the future.

China has vowed to stage an attractive Paralympic Games and strived to fulfill their goal of "two Games, equal splendour". The Games is also deemed an opportunity to raise more awareness of the care for the handicapped people in the country.

Officials and athletes gather for a group photo on Saturday,  September 13, 2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (first row, center)  and Chinese paralympic athletes. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Editor:Xiong Qu