Organizers champion 2008 Paralympics
By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-19 06:48

Participants and delegations will not be charged entry fees at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, a leading official from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) revealed.

"This will be the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games that this has happened," Wang Wei, BOCOG executive vice-president and secretary-general, said yesterday at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly held in Beijing. "Hopefully, this will allow more countries and regions to take part in this grand celebration and share the happy moment."

At the same time, Wang stressed again that the Beijing Paralympic Games would be equally as fantastic as the Beijing Summer Olympics. "We have set the goal of achieving 'Equal Splendour for Olympic Games and Paralympic Games,'" said Wang. "A Paralympic Department has been set up in the Organizing Committee to co-ordinate the preparation of the Paralympic Games, while other departments have divisions and staff responsible for the Paralympic Games."

In March this year, Liu Qi, president of BOCOG, promised to hold two wonderful Games.

According to Wang, with the consent of the IPC, the Beijing Paralympic Games will be held from September 6 to 17 in 2008.

"During the Games, 20 sports will be staged, and for the first time rowing will be an official sport," Wang said. "BOCOG is committed to providing good quality services in all areas to all paralympic athletes, coaches and participants during the Beijing Paralympic Games."

In terms of the venues for the Paralympic Games, 18 Olympic venues will be used, including 13 new venues, three temporary venues, and two renovated venues.

"Of the 18 venues, seven are located in the Olympic Green, five in the University Area, two in the Western Communities, one in the downtown area, one in the North Scenic Area, and two venues outside Beijing, namely Qingdao for Sailing and Hong Kong for Equestrian events," Wang added.

(China Daily 11/19/2005 page2)