BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the speech by Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG), at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games on Saturday night.

    Speech at Opening Ceremony of Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

    Liu Qi

    BOCOG President

    September 6, 2008

    Respected President Hu Jintao and Mrs Hu,

    Respected President Philip Craven and Mrs Craven,

    Distinguished guests,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Dear friends,

    On the occasion of the grand opening of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, please allow me, on behalf of BOCOG, to extend my warmest welcome to athletes, coaches and guests from all countries and regions around the globe. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all people involved in the construction and preparations for the Beijing Paralympic Games. My appreciation also extends to all our friends who have been devoted to and supported this Paralympic Games.

    The Beijing Paralympic Games is first and foremost a grand sports event for the Paralympic athletes of the world. About 4,000 athletes from 147 countries and regions will compete in the spirit of "Transcendence, Integration and Equality." They will demonstrate perseverance, fortitude, and their love for life by transcending themselves. The passion and dreams of the Paralympic Movement will be enjoyed to its fullest.

    The Beijing Paralympic Games is also a grand gathering for people with a disability from across the globe. It educates people to the power of love, and encourages people to devote more understanding, respect and support to people with a disability. Through the Paralympic Games, the humanitarian spirit is raised to new heights, and the cause for people with a disability is promoted far and wide.

    Above all, the Beijing Paralympic Games is a glorious event for each and every person all over the world. The Games will serve as an arena for friends from the five continents to enjoy enhanced communication and cooperation. All will share in the spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace, and appreciate the melody of "One World, One Dream." The Games will contribute to the progress of mankind and promote the harmonious development of the world.

    Dear friends,

    The Chinese people uphold the spirit of self-reliance and perseverance, and they are proud of their virtue of supporting and helping people with a disability. The Beijing Paralympic Games is testimony to the trust the world has rested on China. The Chinese government and people have supported the preparatory work of the Beijing Paralympic Games with immense enthusiasm. To achieve the goal of "Two Games, Equal Splendor," BOCOG has spared no efforts in installing accessible facilities and in providing the best possible services for athletes and guests from every country and region. It is our earnest hope that the Beijing Paralympic Games will unfold into a magnificent event filled with joy, friendship, dreams and success. The whole world will witness and experience the Chinese people's enthusiasm for embracing the world.

    Welcome to Beijing.

    Now, I have the honor of inviting Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, to speak.