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Zhang elected new Chairperson of CDPF
(CFP/Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-14 11:59


Zhang Haidi signs autographs for her fans after a session of the fifth national congress of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) in Beijing, November 11, 2008. Zhang was elected as new chairperson of the CDPF on Thursday and former chairperson Deng Pufang would serve as an honorary chairman. [Xinhua] Click to read our archive story on Zhang Haidi in March 1983


In 2006, she was chosen by netizens as one of the 10 most charming Chinese women along with film stars such as Maggie Cheung and TV anchorwoman Yang Lan.

As the chairwoman of the CDPF and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Zhang said Thursday that she would try her best to promote the rights of the disabled and improve their access to public facilities.

Wang Shuchun, a representative from Jinzhou, Liaoning province, said he was excited at Zhang's appointment, because she is his " role model".

"She will do a great job for the CDPF and she is our pride," said Yang Yi, another representative.

Deng helped found the federation in 1988 and has been at the forefront in the crusade to improve the lives of the now more than 83 million disabled people in the country.