"It will be a great platform to build on as we prepare for competition in Beijing Paralympic Games because our athletes will be competing against the best in the world," chief of the Chinese Paralympic Committee (CPC) said on Thursday.

Wang Xinxian, president of CPC, made the comments when the national Paralympic organization confirmed 24 Chinese athletes will compete in the new global multi-sport event to be staged May 12-15 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

"We are extremely pleased to take part in the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, " Wang said. "Our athletes are very much looking forward to competing and have been training hard."

"At present Beijing is doing its best in preparation for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are looking forward to meeting new friends from all over the world."

Chairman of the British Paralympic Association Mike Brace is delighted that so many of the Chinese athletes will compete in Manchester. "It is wonderful news that some of the best Chinese athletes will compete in the inaugural Paralympic World Cup." he said.

"We believe this annual global event will provide ideal preparation for athletes in the build-up to the next Paralympic Games in Beijing and it is wonderful to see that the Chinese authorities share this view."

The Paralympic World Cup is taking place thanks to funding support from Manchester City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and UK Sport.

Councilor Mark Hackett, executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester City Council said: "Manchester is delighted to hear that the Chinese elite disability athletes have confirmed their participation in the Paralympic World Cup. This is a great opportunity for international elite sportsmen and women to perform to a global audience. It is a privilege to welcome them to our sporting city."

Peter Mearns, Director of Marketing at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: "I am delighted to hear that leading members of the Chinese team will be participating in this important inaugural Paralympic World Cup and I will be very pleased to welcome them to England's Northwest in May. This has presented us with a great opportunity to showcase Manchester and the region to our counterparts across the world, whilst providing a great platform for elite disability sport. The NWDA is proud to be a major sponsor."

Liz Nicholl, UK Sport's Acting Chief Executive was looking forward to action unfolding:

"UK Sport has a long tradition of supporting Paralympic sport and the Paralympic World Cup is a chance to showcase the best that the four sports have to offer. With the world's best Paralympic sporting talent on show, it will also be a welcome chance for Great Britain's athletes to test themselves against the best".

"Manchester has a track record of staging excellent events and the people of the North West are passionate about sport. As a result, UK Sport is supporting the Paralympic World Cup with up to 300,000 pounds from its World Class Events Program."

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2005)