The Hangzhou Asian Para Games offers a stage for athletes and coaches from more than forty countries and regions to pursue their dreams. Before the competition finishes, our reporter Zhang Siran talks to Cheng Kai, Chair of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, to get their thoughts on the memories and stories behind the games.
ZHANG SIRAN CGTN Reporter "Thank you for having this interview with CGTN. What's your assessment of how the Chinese delegation has performed at this year's Asian Para Games?"
CHENG KAI Chair, China Disabled Persons' Federation "The Hangzhou Asian Para Games is a gathering full of striving and progress. The striving spirit and competitive mentality of the athletes on the field, as well as their ability to transcend limitations and disabilities, are the essential elements of this grand event.
"The event is also a stage for dreams and hopes. All the athletes have come here to fulfill their dreams of winning championships and gold medals. This shows the courage and confidence of impaired persons, especially those with severe impairments, to overcome what seems impossible.
"We can see athletes from different countries communicating and exchanging pins with each other. Their friendship is formed by sports that transcend language barriers.
"I believe Team China has fulfilled expectations to chase dreams and enhance connectivity."
ZHANG SIRAN CGTN Reporter "How will you remember the event?"
CHENG KAI Chair, China Disabled Persons' Federation "Feifei, the mascot, represents the spirit of the Para Games – to free your dreams. It's inspired by ancient Liangzhu culture. Feifei calls for all athletes and coaches from all over Asia to realize their dream.
"Another feature is empowerment through technology. Technology benefits people and drives cities forward. Hangzhou is at the forefront of digitalization and informatization in China, with many conveniences brought by technological advancement.
"During the opening ceremony, we saw the torchbearer with impairments light up the flame with the assistance of a biotic hand, steadily and confidently. It proves that technology can help disadvantaged persons to realize their dreams."
ZHANG SIRAN CGTN Reporter "The Asian Para Games are committed to building a more inclusive and equal society through sports. What role do you see for the Federation in helping achieve this goal?"
CHENG KAI Chair, China Disabled Persons' Federation "We will continue our efforts to thoroughly implement development objectives for impaired persons, as stated in the 14th Five-Year Plan, and march towards common prosperity.
"We need to enhance their employment rate, enabling them to leave home and receive skills training – this is the fundamental way for persons to integrate into society.
"And we must strive to improve the social care system - providing customized education, employment guidance, physical therapy for impaired children, as well as assisted living support for the severely impaired.
"The law on building a barrier-free living environment in China also officially took effect on September 1, which guides on how to remove barriers of facilities, information and public services.
"After the Games, we will continue the exchanges and cooperation with international organizations. We can learn from each other by sharing experience. We will unswervingly promote the Belt and Road Initiative and contribute to the shared future for mankind. Only by tacking the challenges together can we make the world a peaceful and happy place."
