Paralympic Torch back to Beijing after Dalian relay

Source: China Daily | 09-04-2008 11:08

DALIAN - The Paralympic torch relay finished its last stop of "modern China" route in Dalian prior to its return to Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhang Dehong (right) holds the Paralympic torch with the  help of a torch escort and a guide dog during the Dalian  relay on Wednesday.

Dalian, the city hosting both Olympic and Paralympic torch relay, launched the relay in the Star Sea Square, the symbolic site of scenery in the city, at 9:45 a.m. for a 3.8km relay to the destination located in the Dalian Forest Zoo.

Twelve of the 70 torch carriers were from the disabled group. Li Yang, the councilor of Dalian Disabled Persons' Federation, was entitled to pass the first torch on wheelchair.

Li has been working for the disabled for 25 years and he is an advocate of sports participation for the disabled.

"I love sports though I lost my legs. I don't think the disabled body can prevent me from taking part in sports activities," said Li.

"I don't think sports belong to athletes only. Sport is important for the healthy, and even more important for us, the disabled. We need to search for our abilities and we need sport to help us build confidence," added he.

"I am longing for the opening of Beijing Paralympics as much as I was looking forward to the Beijing Olympics.

"It's a great day for me and it's a great day for all the disabled in Dalian. I would like to give my thanks to those caring and attending us from all walks of life. The life for the disabled is promising as we are receiving more and more attention."