By Staff Reporter Zhang Yunxing

The press conference held on Wednesday morning at the Main Press Center.

International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven spoke highly of the work behind the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, calling it "excellent organization" at a press conference on Wednesday morning at the Main Press Center.

"These games have been great games," said Craven. "We had around 5500 media representatives – more than ever before – and also more broadcasting than ever before at around 1000 hours. IPC channels had 1.1 million visitors during Games time. This has been an excellent organization".

According to Wang Wei, executive vice president and secretary general of BOCOG, the attendance rate for 9 of the 11 sessions held for 7 events was over 90 percent, and 2 sessions between 80-90 percent. As of today, a total of 1,292,000 tickets have been sold to the public, including tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies and all swimming and athletic events.

"There has been positive feedback from everyone I have spoken to. It is amazing, the change-around in thinking, or the advance in attitudes. It is more than a turn-around, it is a fundamental change in the perception of disability even as it is expressed in the Chinese language. And hopefully others around the world will follow China's example," said Craven at the conference.

In advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Beijing did its best to prepare two games of equal splendor, and promised to make the city friendlier for disabled people. The city is doing a good job.

The legacy of the Paralympics is huge and far reaching. "Accessible facilities have been improved, and a lot of things have been installed. The Great Wall and the Forbidden City are going to be landmark sites for the cause of disabled people in China, not forgetting the venues, public areas, and facilities in the airport. Everywhere, I think things are being improved," said Wang Wei at the press conference.

People are developing a new respect for disabled people because they see them challenging their own limits. The public are learning the Paralympic spirit through watching the competitions, Wang added.

The closing ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games will be held tonight in the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest. It is estimated that 23 dignitaries and 34 sports ministers will attend the ceremony.

(China.org.cn, September 17, 2008)