Paralympic torchbearers hope athletes will realize their goals

A torch relay ceremony for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games was held in the International Horticultural Expo Park in Yanqing district of Beijing on Thursday afternoon.

About 120 torchbearers, including disabled athletes, coaches and those contributing to the work of disabled people, ran on the 7-kilometer route.

Wen Huazhi, who works for a scenic spot service center in Xiangtan, Hunan province, said she felt very happy and proud to be a torchbearer again in 2022 after being the torchbearer in 2008.

"I hope Chinese athletes will perform well and win gold medals. But more importantly I hope they will enjoy the experience of 'flying' on ice and snow which is what every disabled person is looking for," she said. "I hope the torch relay can inspire more disabled people to get out,to exercise more and enjoy the society." 

Wen, 40, was born into a farmer's family in Shaoshan of Hunan province, and worked as a tour guide after graduation. She lost her left leg in a traffic accident in 2005 that killed six people and injured 22 while she was serving a tourist group in Luochuan, Shaanxi province.

Wen, though badly injured herself, continued to encourage tourists to hold on. She asked the rescue team to save others first and passed out several times in the two-hour rescue work. When she was sent to hospital, the injury was so serious that doctors had to conduct an amputation.

Her story moved many people. She was a deputy to the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. She was also named the national moral model.

Wen said after she became disabled she has seen great progress made in China such as more services, social benefits and public cultural facilities. "I can feel that in airports, toilets and elevators. The society has accepted us in a more inclusive and equal way."

Wen likes to practice pilates. She said sports can help the disabled people improve their health and make more friends.