Boosting the Paralympic spirit
Beijing 2022 Games organizers vow all-out efforts to leave lasting legacy for the disabled
Organizers of the Beijing Winter Paralympics have pledged to host inclusive and accessible Games next year to help boost para-sports participation and the well-being of disabled people in China.
With preparations for next year’s Games entering the home stretch, Chinese organizers and para-sports promoters have set their sights on maximizing the event’s influence to improve barrier-free facilities while also raising awareness of equal access to facilitate para-sports participation, especially winter events, beyond 2022.
The commitment was highlighted during an event held on May 15, the eve of the 31st National Day for Aiding Disabled People.
Games organizers, representatives from the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and para-sports athletes witnessed the unveiling of a series of licensed Paralympic-themed Beijing 2022 souvenirs during the event at the training base of the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities in northeast Beijing’s Shunyi district.
“To further promote equal participation in sports for disabled people while contributing to the development of an inclusive society was a major goal for us to prepare for and host the Paralympic Winter Games,” said Zhou Changkui, a vice-president of the Beijing 2022 organizing committee and director-general of the disabled federation.
“We will make the best out of the Paralympics to draw more attention to the development of barrier-free city infrastructure, promote volunteer services that help the disabled and encourage more people with disabilities to become sports fans and regular exercisers.”
After reviewing a series of snow and ice sports test events in February and April, preparatory work for the Winter Paralympics, which will open on March 4, has shifted from venue readiness to operational tune-ups.
All five competition venues needed for hosting six sports at the Paralympics — alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, paraice hockey and wheelchair curling — have been completed with operational staff busy fine-tuning details in barrier-free services while rehearsing venue and facility transition from the regular Winter Olympics, which will close on Feb 20.
Organizers, property owners and public health experts have joined forces on a special task force to develop a set of meticulous COVID-19 countermeasures to guarantee everyone’s safety at the Games.
The construction and refurbishment of 25 non-competition venues for media operations, ceremonies and accommodation will be completed by August, laying a solid foundation for the 10-day Paralympics to proceed as planned.
“After running tests in competition organization and the operation of transport, security and medical services, we are now 100 percent confident that the event will be held on schedule and in a safe manner for all participants,” said Yang Jinkui, Beijing 2022’s director of the Paralympic Games.
Still, some tweaks are required — such as the length and angle of wheelchair ramps at certain venues — in order to perfect the Games experience for all para-athletes, Yang added.
Having hosted the Summer Paralympics in 2008, organizers hope that Beijing’s role reprisal will serve to benefit the everyday lives of disabled people in China.
“The efforts and sacrifices of all para-athletes deserve more attention and support, not just for the 10-day period during the Paralympics but also for the longer term throughout their careers,” said Yang Yang, a retired Winter Olympic champion speed skater and chairman of Beijing 2022’s athletes commission.
“The focus on barrier-free facilities will be extended after the Games to help make real changes in communities and commercial sports facilities, providing equal access and convenience for people with disabilities to be able to enjoy ice and snow sports,” added Yang Yang.
As a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Yang Yang has promised to leverage her influence within the top political advisory body to propose better planning and increased investment in barrier-free facilities across the country.
“Many disabled people are keen to go out and play sports, so it’s up to us to deliver facilities that cater to their specific conditions,” she said.
China’s team of para-winter sports athletes are going all out to make their country proud at the Games.
As the reigning Olympic and world champion, China’s wheelchair curling team will be in the spotlight trying to defend the country’s first Winter Paralympic gold medal, won at the 2018 Games in South Korea.
Having already tested the home ice at Beijing’s National Aquatics Center, members of the wheelchair curling team are committed to achieving new breakthroughs next year to help boost their sport’s appeal.
“Training helps me unleash my potential, physically and mentally. I’ve become more outgoing and confident,” said Zhang Mingliang, a member of the 12-player national team.
“Wheelchair curling is a mind game that helps us improve our intelligence, communication skills and mental stability. So, I think that it’s a natural fit for people with disabilities.”
Despite being relative newcomers to most of the snow-based parasports, Chinese athletes’ unwillingness to be left behind has been underlined by sitting-skiers’ courage to hurtle down the steep slopes that surround Beijing.
“I still remember the first time I was on top of the mountain for a training session, my hands were shivering and my head went numb,” said Liu Sitong, a member of China’s paraalpine skiing team.
“Now I’ve grown skilled and experienced in enjoying the speed as I ski down the slopes. I’d like to let more disabled people know that they can also try skiing, no matter how scary it might seem at the beginning. Nothing should stop you from trying this exciting sport.”