Breaking down barriers to inclusivity

China will further support people with disabilities in taking part in ice and snow sports after the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, utilizing the significantly improved infrastructure to create barrier-free environments at sports venues, according to the president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation.

"After winning the bid for the Games, we put in a great deal of effort to provide the best support for ice and snow para athletes. These efforts have not all been about building the strongest Team China for the Paralympics, but rather it has centered on developing ice and snow sports in China with the inclusion of people with disabilities," said Zhang Haidi, president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation and executive president of the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee, during a recent interview.

When China won the bid to host the Beijing 2022 Games in 2015, the country had fewer than 50 winter sports para athletes. Now the number has increased to nearly 1,000, Zhang said.

Utilizing top domestic and foreign coaches and systematic training, Chinese winter sports para athletes have progressed at light speed, Zhang said. Team China has shown its strength in the para Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing and snowboarding since day one of the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games.

"The Beijing Winter Paralympics will surely encourage more people with disabilities to participate in ice and snow sports, stirring up their passion and bravery in life," Zhang said.

The Beijing Winter Paralympics will also help the public better understand, respect and care for those with disabilities, she added.

The Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee's achievements in creating a barrier-free environment for Paralympians have also impressed Zhang.

Very often people think that accessibility is only about mobility, but an all-around approach has been adopted. "Tactile way-finding systems for vision-impaired athletes can be found in all venues so they can guide themselves around. Also, the official website and apps have been upgraded so vision-impaired athletes can have access to them."

Service counters have all been lowered to accommodate the needs of wheelchair users. Even the best spots at the venues are reserved for spectators using wheelchairs, she said. "Those details can make Paralympians from all over the world feel the genuine warmth, care and convenience. These practices can set a good example for China in the future."

The barrier-free facilities at the Beijing Winter Paralympics will leave a lasting legacy in the host cities and continue to be used for people with disabilities.

Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's chief brand and communications officer, said that the accessibility at the Winter Paralympics will leave a wonderful legacy. "It not only benefits persons with disabilities but also persons without disabilities," he said.