Games would help lower barriers

When Hou Bin, an athlete who lost his left leg in a train accident at the age of 9, raised himself up on a cable to light the caldron at the 2008 Paralympic Games at the National Stadium, the whole world applauded in awe, not only for the successful lighting of the flame but also for the Paralympic spirit he embodied.

With Beijing bidding for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the concept of equality, inclusion and sharing - as well as the promotion of a barrier-free environment - is expected to benefit the livelihood of disabled people like Hou, the bid committee envisioned on Thursday.

"The preparation for and hosting of the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will create a strong environment of understanding and respecting people with disabilities and promoting their equal participation in social activities with the upgrading of accessible facilities," said Zhao Sujing, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing 2022 bid committee.