Photo taken on Feb. 28, 2022 shows the barrier-free seats in China's National Alpine Skiing Center in Yanqing District, Beijing. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)
DEVELOPING CAUSE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
For China, hosting the Paralympics is not just about raising awareness about people with disabilities, it is also about making real material changes that are the basis of a more civilized society.
"The Chinese government has always supported the integration of people with disabilities into society. Programs for persons with disabilities have seen a comprehensive development, including Para sports," said BOCOG vice president Yang Shu'an.
"In a country with 85 million persons with disability, this is absolutely fundamental," Parson commented.
Although Yu Jing is the only female player in Para ice hockey at these Games, she is not the sole Para ice hockey woman representative in China.
"There are many girls in China who would like to join the sport and there are already many who play it. I am the representative of these female players in this team. I got the chance to play for the national team and be on this stage to show the power of our Chinese women to the world," said Yu.
If nothing else, the increased emphasis China puts on its para-athletes, of which the Beijing Winter Paralympics is just a facet, is a reflection of China's human rights progress.
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