China's central authorities on Wednesday congratulated the Chinese Paralympians on their "historic breakthrough" and "significant contributions" to the Beijing Paralympic Games.

"We extend warm congratulations and heartfelt compliments to you, who have won immense glory for your country," read a congratulatory message jointly sent by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council, China's cabinet.

The Chinese Paralympic delegation, which won 89 gold, 70 silver and 52bronze medals in Beijing, has "achieved a historic breakthrough," "written a new chapter of China's disabled sports development," and "made significant contributions to achieving the goal of 'Two Games, Equal Splendor'," the message noted.

The Chinese para-athletes, who topped both the gold and overall medal tables at these Games, have displayed an image of self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support of Chinese disabled people and demonstrated the Chinese nation's unyielding spirit, said the message.

They also carried forward the spirit of the Paralympics, promoted mutual understanding and friendship among people all over the world, and inspired people of all ethnic groups in the country, it said.

"The motherland and the people feel proud of you," it said.

The message urged the athletes to sum up the experience and carry forward good tradition, and improve sportsmanship and competitiveness in sports.

"We hope you will advance China's disabled sports development and help the disabled people to participate in social activities and share the fruit of social development," it said.

"We hope to see you win even greater honor for the motherland and people, and strive for new victories," it concluded.

China for the first time topped both the gold and overall medal tallies at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens with a record of 63-46-32. It sent to the Beijing Games the largest delegation of 547 members that included 332 athletes.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2008)