Paralympics boost community awareness

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-16-2008 19:11

The Paralympics has focused the country's attention on people living with a disability. The competitions have also sparked some dramatic changes in attitudes. The Games has raised awareness of the issues disabled people face in China, but there is still much work to be done.

To remove the barriers in people's hearts, there is  still a long way to go.

It's like the opening Olympic ceremony at the Bird's Nest everyday during the Paralympics. The strong performances of Chinese paralympians are helping society address long-standing prejudices.

Dong Dashi, a Beijing resident, said, " I think we should regard the people with a disability as equal, they are valuable to society. They are our friends."

Wang Xiaojiao, a student volunteer, said, "To me, the greatest difference between the Olympics and Paralympics is that people watch gold medals at the Olympics. But when we watch the athletes at the Paralympics, each one of them is a winner."

The Paralympics are a platform for ordinary people to become more aware of people who live with a disability.

For Zhao Huirong, it's a miracle to watch a sports game as part of such a large crowd. With the special lanes and other facilities built for wheelchairs, she has managed to attend many events.