A top Olympic committee official yesterday called for better
understanding of people with physical disabilities on the run-up to
the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
"We need to have more modern ideas about disabled people and
their participation in the Olympics," Tang Xiaoquan, executive
vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of
the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), said.
She said that such things as traffic laws were made because
people get injured in road accidents, and that part of the reason
medical science develops is to help people who are born with
disabilities.
Such tragic events and situations spur improvements and reforms
in many areas, she said.
"Disabled people have the same dignity and rights as other
social groups. Sport is not only a good way to improve one's
physical health, but also a way to self-fulfillment and making
contributions to the motherland," Tang said.
Next year will be the first time in Olympic history that the
Summer Games and Paralympic Games have been organized by the same
host committee and to the same standards.
"By hosting the Paralympics we have an opportunity to show our
commitment to helping disabled people in China," Tang said.
"Giving more respect and care to people with disabilities also
embodies the theme of the 'Human Olympics' of the Beijing
Games."
According to the recent Second China National Sample Survey on
Disability, China has 82.96 million people with disabilities, some
6.34 percent of the population.
Tang said that as a result of the country's rapid economic
development and improved living standards, people have begun to pay
more attention to the needs of disadvantaged people and made
efforts to improve their lives.
But China still has a long way to go to provide comprehensive
facilities for disabled people, she said.
"There are places that offer disabled access, but they are not
well-connected and better planning is needed. Disabled people still
have problems getting around," Tang said.
Beijing is in the process of providing disabled access at a
number of popular temples and museums in the city, including the
Dajue Temple, Zhihua Temple, Five-Pagoda Temple, Great Bell Temple,
White Pagoda Temple, Longevity Temple, Confucius Temple and the
Imperial Academy. The projects, which will cost more than 1 million
yuan (US$130,000), will be completed this year.
Improved facilities for disabled people will also be provided
next year at some of Beijing's other tourist spots, including the
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Lama Temple and Beihai
Park.
During the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, which runs from September
6-17, some 4,000 disabled athletes from 150 countries and regions
will visit the capital.
A guide to facilities for disabled people in the city will be
published to coincide with the Games.
"It is a big challenge for Beijing to provide a first-class
service to disabled people from around the world. But I am quite
confident the Paralympics will leave a great legacy for China, both
spiritually and materially."
(China Daily May 25, 2007)