BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Paralympics will be as successful
as the Beijing Olympics, some foreign leaders have said in interviews with
Xinhua.
South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo attended the opening ceremony of
the Beijing Paralympics, the first time for a South Korean prime minister to
attend such an event overseas.
In an interview with Xinhua Friday, he expressed appreciation of the
Chinese government and people for their efforts and enthusiasm in preparations
for the Games.
Han said since the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, the
event has become a world stage for the disabled to make their dreams come
true.
The event will provide an opportunity for disabled-bodied athletes to
overcome their physical handicaps, tap their potential and experience human
equality, he said.
The prime minister also hoped that the Beijing Paralympics will give
impetus to international exchanges for the rights of the disabled, so that all
countries will create conditions for the disabled to enjoy common life.
Dutch State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport Jet Bussemaker visited
China in February this year as preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics, and
in August she attended the Olympic opening ceremony and watched the Dutch
athletes in action.
She told Xinhua in a written interview Friday that it was clear that for
China the Paralympics are as important as the Olympics.
"I am sure the Paralympics will be as much successful as the Olympic
Games," she said.
Bussemaker said these games are very important because they focus on what
disabled people can do instead of what they can't do. The athletes can become
role models and this will contribute to their full and equal inclusion and
participation in society.
Swiss Defense and Sports Minister Samuel Schmid said Wednesday that "the
Swiss people and I have been very impressed by the quality of the organizing of
these Games."
Schmid said one of the strengths of the Olympic Games is that they allow
the world to learn about the host country, and vice versa.
He said, "The Games are a showcase for the organizing country. And China
has seized this opportunity."
The minister also hoped that the Swiss Paralympic delegation will perform
well at the Beijing Paralympics.
"For me, disabled athletes have already won a medal even before the start
of the competitions," he said. "Their great achievement is to show us that
disability does not prevent performance."
Ecuadoran Vice President Lenin Moreno said Monday that the upcoming Beijing
Paralympic Games will be as splendid as the Beijing Olympic Games.
Moreno, 55, who has been paralyzed from the waist down for 10 years, said
the sports event would display "the determination and courage of those (disabled
people) who are already winners" as their presence shows their victory against
the physical obstacles that may block the realization of their dreams.
Micronesian Foreign Minister Lorin Robert said Monday that the Beijing
Paralymics is a significant event following the great success of the Beijing
Olympics.
He was confident that China will also host a successful Paralymics.
"The Chinese government and people should be congratulated for the
excellent arrangements and preparations for the Olympic Games. The magnitude and
scope of work as well as the actual conduct of the games themselves are
befitting the great host country of China," he said in the interview.
As a close friend of China, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)also
shares in the glory of the success of the Games, he added.
In addition, according to the German newspaper Tagespiegel, German Interior
Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said he believed that China will host a satisfying
Paralympic Games.
Schaeuble agreed with Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC), that China has opened up to the outside world, and the Beijing
Olympics help the world know more about China.
He said the Beijing Paralympics will play the same role as the Olympics.
