Chinese president hosts luncheon for guests to Beijing Paralympics closing ceremony
17/9/2008 17:12
Chinese President Hu Jintao today held a luncheon for international
dignitaries who will attend the Beijing Paralympics closing ceremony in the
evening, pledging more efforts to promote the well-being of the disabled
people.
Hu started his luncheon toast by welcoming the guests and thanking
those who have contributed to the success of the Games. Among the guests were
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge and International
Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven.
Hu also congratulated all
the Paralympians on their outstanding performances at these Games.
"In the
past 12 days, the Paralympians have, through active participation in the various
events of the Games, demonstrated perseverance, optimism and an enterprising
spirit and written a glorious ode to life," Hu said.
The Chinese people have,
in keeping with their solemn commitment to the international community,
delivered a high-standard Paralympics with distinctive features, the president
said.
He reiterated that the Games will leave a rich legacy to the
advancement of the well-being of people with disabilities.
"The Chinese
government and people will build on the success of the Beijing Paralympic Games
to carry forward the humanitarian spirit, and advance in an all-round way the
well-being of people with a disability in China," he said.
The president
concluded that both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have enhanced
understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people of other
countries.
He pledged that China will be fully committed to reform and
opening-up, to the path of peaceful development and to the win-win strategy of
opening-up. China is ready to join people of all countries in a common effort to
build an even better world, he said.
The Beijing 2008 Paralympics, which
opened on Sept. 6 and drew about 4,000 athletes from around the world, will come
to an end tonight.
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