China News Service:

The Hangzhou Asian Para Games is the fourth Asian Para Games. The first Asian Para Games was also held in China. What's the influence of organizing the Asian Para Games on promoting the development of programs for people with disabilities? Thank you.

Zhao Sujing:

Thank you. I'll answer this question. The Hangzhou Asian Para Games, as you mentioned, is the fourth Asian Para Games. The first Asian Para Games was held in China's Guangzhou in 2010, setting a new example for developing parasports in Asia. The preparation and organization of this Asian Para Games is an important opportunity for promoting the development of China's programs for people with disabilities.

First, it's conducive to mobilizing more people with disabilities to engage in sports. As you all know, para-athletes from Asian countries are representatives of excellent individuals with disabilities. Their fighting spirit will motivate and inspire more people with disabilities to participate in sports, rehabilitation, and fitness activities. When talking with our athletes, many have mentioned that when they watched the Paralympic Games in 2008 as spectators, they were inspired by the fighting spirit of para-athletes in competitions and felt that they could also win glory for the country. That's the reason for their participation in parasports. Therefore, for people with disabilities, this session of the Asian Para Games is also a major event that we believe could inspire, motivate, and lead more people with disabilities to engage in sports, rehabilitation, and fitness and be better involved in society.

Second, it's conducive to improving the competitive level of parasports in China. Through participation in the Asian Para Games, our athletes and excellent para-athletes from other Asian countries can learn from and exchange with each other in competitions. The Games provide an opportunity to select more excellent athletes and reserve talents for future parasports events.

Third, it's conducive to advancing China's programs for people with disabilities. The preparation and organization of the Asian Para Games is a major opportunity for advancing China's programs for people with disabilities. It plays an important role in promoting the progress, not only in constructing barrier-free facilities but also in illustrating China's advances in civilization and its support and assistance for people with disabilities.

Fourth, it's conducive to demonstrating the achievements in developing China's programs for people with disabilities and building an important platform for achievements in protecting and safeguarding human rights. The Hangzhou Asian Para Games is not just a sports event; it also establishes an exchange platform for disabled people. In the past decade of the new era, China has made major progress in rehabilitation, education, employment, social environment, culture, and sports for people with disabilities. We're looking forward to exchanging with disabled friends from other Asian countries and regions, learning from each other, and making contributions together to promote the development of the programs for people with disabilities worldwide and the building of a global community of shared future. Thank you!