Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing will change the way the Games is delivered in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on Sunday, which marks both National Disability Day in China and the 100-day countdown to the Tokyo Paralympics.

"I think it's a nice coincidence that the 100 days to go is the same day as National Disability Day in China. I think what we experienced in Beijing 2008 was exactly what we want to translate to the whole world, to change the view of societies towards persons with disability and change the mindset," said Parsons.

Parsons attended the Beijing Paralympics with the Brazilian delegation in 2008 and was impressed by the hosting performance.

"My words for Chinese disabled people are to celebrate May 16 and to celebrate the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing next year because I'm sure, if Beijing has changed the way we deliver the Paralympic Summer Games, Beijing 2022 will change the way we deliver the Paralympic Winter Games," said Parsons.

The two-month test events for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics previously gave the world a peek at the incredible preparations for the Beijing Games and the remarkable accessibility disabled participants will enjoy during the Paralympics.

"In Beijing 2008, we saw a great change in China when it comes to making the city and the country more accessible to persons with disabilities. More resources were invested for the 2008 Games. So we expect the same now, or a newer version of that same investment and same effort for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games," said Parsons.

Last week, the Japanese Prime Minister said in congress that he has never "put the Olympics first." But Parson does not consider it a problem. 

"Of course, it's about protecting the Japanese people. But I'm sure he also thinks that we can continue the preparations with the Games. So, it's about putting people first, but also preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics at the same time," he said.

The surging COVID-19 infections in Japan have led to stronger opposing voices against the Games. An opinion poll showed that nearly 60 percent of Japanese believe that the Games should be canceled.

Parson disagrees. "Persons with disability have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. And this has highlighted inequality around the world in how societies treat persons with disability. The Paralympic Games is the only global event where we celebrate disability and persons with disability," he said.

"I would like to reassure the Paralympic athletes of the world that we are doing our utmost to provide the best infrastructure and the best possible Games. So, we want them to focus on their preparations and understand that everything will be very similar to what they are used to."

At the end of the interview, Parson expressed his confidence in the athletes' ability to change the world with their performance.

(All quotes are from Xinhua News Agency.)