APC President Praises China’s ‘Unwavering Support’ at Spectacular Open Ceremony

In a speech to mark the official opening of the 2010 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China, the President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) Dato’ Zainal Abu Zarin has described China’s support of the Paralympic Movement as ‘unwavering’.

A capacity crowd inside the Aoti Main Stadium, as well as over a billion TV viewers around the world, witnessed the spectacular Opening Ceremony which involved over 4,500 performers, 200 of which had a disability.

And during his opening address, the APC President took the opportunity to not only praise China’s, but also Asia’s, continuing support of the Paralympic Movement.

Dato’ Zainal Abu Zarin said: “This continent has a long and proud history in staging major Paralympic events dating back to the first FESPIC Games in 1975.

“In between then and now the FESPIC Games have been held successfully on a number of occasions, leaving a lasting legacy in Asia. The Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games is such a legacy.

“The unwavering commitment of China and its people to the Paralympic Movement is admirable.”

The APC President was joined by His Excellency Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang in speaking at the Opening Ceremony which was based around a story of love.

Divided into three parts – each with an emotional theme to convey love among family, society and people with a disability – one of the highlights included 300 mothers of athletes from China and abroad joining their children during the athletes’ parade.

The Opening Ceremony helped bring to life the 2010 Asian Para Games vision of ‘We Cheer, We Share, We Win’, something the APC President felt the athletes would continue to do on a daily basis in Guangzhou.

Dato’ Zainal said: “Over the next week supporters will cheer on the athletes who will show extreme courage and determination in reaching the starting line, but will inspire millions of others by reaching the finish line.

“We will share in the drama of joy and excitement of watching 19 awesome sports. And our long-lasting friendships will further strengthened and developed.

“Finally, we will share in the ecstasy of victory, not only in those who win medals but of all those competitors who have made it here tonight. Just by being in Guangzhou as athletes you can count yourself a winner, a hero and a role model for others.”

More than 2,500 athletes from 41 nations will compete in the 2010 Asian Para Games and Dato’ Zainal, who is also an International Paralympic Committee Governing Board member, feels the Games will help bring athletes and countries closer together.

“Starting tomorrow, 19 superb venues will be brought to life by the athletes. Each will be different in appearance. Each with a different inspirational story to tell. Each in peak physical condition. And each with one thing in common that brings them together as one – The Paralympic Spirit”.