BEIJING PARALYMPICS

Beijing Paralympics to highlight Olympic
spirit and glory of humanity

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- While the beautiful memory of
the Beijing Olympic Games remains fresh, the Beijing
Paralympic Games are near.

The flame of the Beijing Paralympic Games will burn atop
the Bird's Nest on Saturday night. It will be a night of
reunion and dream fulfillment for more than 4,000 disabled
athletes from 148 countries and regions, a night of warmth
and joy for the 83 million Chinese with disabilities and
the world's disabled population of more than 600 million,
as well as a night of passion and harmony for the six
billion people across the globe.

The Paralympic movement, concept and spirit constitute an
outstanding contribution to the modern Olympic Movement.
Just like the modern Olympic Games, which has a history of
more than a century, the 48-year-old Paralympic Games also
seek to showcase the noble nature of mankind, such as the
enterprising spirit, transcendence, enthusiasm in
participation, as well as harmony and fraternity.

The Paralympic movement, concept and spirit constitute an
outstanding contribution to the modern Olympic Movement.
Just like the modern Olympic Games, which has a history of
more than a century, the 48-year-old Paralympic Games also
seek to showcase the noble nature of mankind, such as the
enterprising spirit, transcendence, enthusiasm in
participation, as well as harmony and fraternity.

"Two Games, Equal Splendor" is a promise China has made to
the world. And China has proposed the concepts of
"transcendence, integration and equality" for the Beijing
Paralympic Games. The country and its people are fulfilling
the promise and performing international duties with utmost
sincerity and in a down-to-earth manner. This has fully
demonstrated that China highly values the Paralympic Games,
earnestly takes care of the disabled, and sincerely wishes
to promote the humanitarian spirit.

The Paralympic movement, concept and spirit constitute an
outstanding contribution to the modern Olympic Movement.
Just like the modern Olympic Games, which has a history of
more than a century, the 48-year-old Paralympic Games also
seek to showcase the noble nature of mankind, such as the
enterprising spirit, transcendence, enthusiasm in
participation, as well as harmony and fraternity.

This September, Beijing is opening its arms to welcome
disabled athletes from all over the world, who have come to
share the idea of "One World, One Dream," and to cement
friendship, call on peace and promote harmony.

Taking part in sports activities, for fun or for
competition -- this is an important way for the disabled
people to get integrated into society on an equal footing.
And they yearn to prove themselves and show vigor of life
in the sports arena.

Integration, equality and common happiness are
indispensable elements of a harmonious society. Through
equal emphasis on sports activities for both disabled and
able-bodied people, we can encourage greater participation
in sport and better integration into society by people with
disabilities.

China's hosting of the Paralympic Games is also a major
step forward for human rights protection. Life quality of
the disabled is a benchmark for the civilization level of a
modern society. Respect and care for the disabled is an
important indicator of social progress. Safeguarding the
rights and interests of the disabled is a fundamental
protection of human rights.

Promoting the welfare of the disabled people is an
important part of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
The development of sporting for the disabled has reflected
the historical progress China has made since 1949,
particularly in the past three decades of reform and
opening-up.

Thanks to the country's emphasis on human rights
development, the environment and conditions for the
disabled to participate in social affairs have improved
remarkably, the living standards of the disabled have kept
rising, and the social atmosphere of respecting, protecting
and helping the disabled has been fostered.

Through the hosting of the Beijing Paralympic Games, the
whole society will have a better understanding of the life
of the disabled, and make intensified efforts to take care
of and help them. The Games will also boost the
self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance of people
with disabilities. Furthermore, the communications and
exchanges between Chinese and foreign Paralympians during
the Games will help our country draw experience from the
rest of the world, find out and solve our own problems, and
do an even better job in seeking benefits for the disabled.