Disability and special games conclude in Shenzhen

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games ended after a closing ceremony was held at Shenzhen Sports Center, Guangdong province, on Monday.

Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, said the hosting of the games demonstrated the high importance the central government attached to the development of the cause for persons with disabilities.

"Meanwhile it demonstrated the strength of country's system and the strong vitality of "one country, two systems" policies," said Cheng. He is also is also director of the Games' Organizing Committee.

Cheng said he believed the games would further help promote the integrated development of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA, and the cause of persons with disabilities in the following months.

"The para athletes have showcased the self-reliant, optimistic and amicable demeanor of persons with disabilities of China," he added.

Meng Fanli, Guangdong governor, said the successful organization of the games is the result of close cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. 

"The para athletes have challenged the limits with an indomitable will during the games" said Meng who is also deputy director of games organizing committee.

The games would help further foster disability inclusion and showcase the resilience of people with disabilities in China, he said, adding that Guangdong would leverage this moment to drive high-quality progress in service for people with disabilities.

It is the first time that the two 8-day games have been jointly hosted by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, reflecting the significant and far-reaching importance of demonstrating the strengths of the "one country, two systems" policy.

The program, the country's largest comprehensive sport gala for disabled persons, features 46 major sporting events and 1,876 subevents. These include 11 mass participation sports and nine Paralympic disciplines. A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations across the country registered to participate in the events.

During the main competition period, more than 11,000 people, including athletes, referees, classifiers, coaches and support staff members, took part, an increase of about 30 percent compared with the previous edition.

All of the 11 cities across the GBA were involved in hosting events.

Contact the writer at zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn