Official from the Nepalese embassy to China Govinda Prasad Bhattarai (first from the right) experiences playing basketball in a wheelchair. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign experts and officials praised China on Tuesday for its continuous efforts to improve the well-being of people with disabilities in the country.
Several discussed their admiration for the nation's efforts during an activity involving para sports in China at a New Year reception organized by China's Disabled Persons' Federation in Beijing.
"I'm impressed by the level of investment China has put into the disabled cause and the level of value China has given to the disabled people," said Justine Coulson, the United Nations Population Fund Representative to China, adding that it is important to build a society that enables people with all types of disabilities so that they can move through the community without obstacles and enjoy working and doing sports.
Themed on the inclusion of sports, the foreign guests were invited to take part in para sports events such as boccia, soccer, basketball, table tennis and curling.
Nadia Del Campo, public diplomacy counselor from the Canadian embassy to China, (in the middle) experiences playing basketball in a wheelchair. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
Nadia Del Campo, public diplomacy counselor from the Canadian embassy to China, said she had a good time dribbling, passing and shooting the basketball from a wheelchair.
She said that it was challenging and described Chinese para athletes as "dedicated, hardworking and inspiring".
Health and social affairs counselor from the French embassy to China Romain Jacquet (R) experiences playing table tennis in a wheelchair. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
Sitting in a wheelchair, Romain Jacquet, health and social affairs counselor from the French embassy to China, played table tennis with a person with disabilities, with balls coming back and forth dozens of times. His efforts were applauded by both his opponent and the audience.
Having experienced a similar event in France 10 years ago, he said that it's a good way for people with disabilities to win people's understanding, support and respect.
Govinda Prasad Bhattarai, an official from the Nepalese embassy to China, spoke highly of the efforts China has made to aid the disabled and expressed his hope to launch cooperation projects with China in this regard, so that people with disabilities in his country can improve their well-being.