Care for people with a disability is an important hallmark of a civilized and progressive society, said the president, adding that the Chinese government and people have always attached importance to the well-being of the 83 million disabled in the country.

"We follow the principle of putting people first and advocate a humanitarian spirit. We stand for equality, oppose discrimination, care for the vulnerable and respect human rights," Hu said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao proposes a toast during a welcoming luncheon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Sept. 6, 2008. President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing held a welcoming luncheon here on Saturday for dignitaries and their spouses who will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games, scheduled for Saturday night. [Xinhua]

"We have adopted a range of policies and measures to encourage public care and support for people with a disability and actively promote their overall well-being,, and our achievements have been recognized by all," he said.

For their part, people with a disability in China have constantly strived to improve themselves and become stronger. They have made outstanding contributions to economic and social development in China and earned the respect of the whole society, Hu added.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of sports for people with a disability, and China has been an active participant in the Paralympic Movement. "Since winning the bid to host the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2001, the Chinese government and people have, with the strong support of the IPC and the international community, earnestly fulfilled our solemn commitments to the world," Hu said.

The president pointed out that "One World, One Dream" is the slogan of both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, adding that "I believe that, the Beijing Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for people with a disability from all over the world to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and will leave a rich legacy to the development of sports for people with a disability."