Deng Pufang, the China Disabled Persons Federation (CDPF) president, expressed great hope for the Beijing Paralympics in the career development of the country's disabled, according to a Xinhua interview on Sunday.

Deng, also the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics executive president, thought highly of the hosting of the Beijing Paralympics, saying "it will be a great improvement on the career of the disabled in China and the level of civilization for the whole society."

"The Paralympics, having great, sensational attractions, is a valuable spiritual asset for the world people. Holding such a sporting event shows the strong will of the Paralympic athletes and arouses the whole of society's attention to disabled people."

He called the Republic of Korea a good example. The country had made great breakthroughs in the development of the careers of the disabled after having hosted the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul.

"I believe China can present a successful Paralympics, and enhance the development of the careers of the disabled as well," he said.

From the early days after China's 1949 foundation, the country had launched many kinds of mass sporting events, such as table tennis and basketball, for the handicapped.

Currently, the country has more than 2.8 million disabled athletes, 1.5 million of whom participated in events related to the Paralympics, according to Deng.

Since 1982, China has hosted seven national games for the disabled and Chinese athletes have participated in six summer and two winter Paralympics.

"The country's great efforts in disabled sport career development shows it has highlighted its citizens' human rights safeguards," Deng said.

In addition, participating in sports helped the disabled rehabilitate their body, develop their potential, integrate into the society and affect the society as well.

China has a disabled population of 83 million.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2008)