ATHENS, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Paralympic athletes are "the real heroes of the evening" and "a beacon of inspiration for millions of people around the world," Phil Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said in his speech at the opening ceremony for the 12th Paralympic Games here Friday evening.

    Craven praised them as an encouragement "for those who cannot be in the stadium tonight; for young athletes, who, watching you, will set their sights higher; for the families, friends and organizations that support those young athletes".

    He praised the games' hosting country, saying "Greece has experienced a spectacular sporting summer. Firstly, your men's football team, followed by the Olympic Games, and now the climax, the twelfth Paralympic Games."

    He congratulated Athens and Greek citizens, "who have contributed to getting this wonderful city ready" and expressed his thanks to Gianna Angelopolous Daskalaki, President of the Athens Organizing Committee (ATHOC), praising her watchword "teamwork" and her capacity of putting together "a great team at ATHOC".

    The IPC chief gave high marks to the Greeks, as they "have created a fabulous legacy for generations to come", adding "Paralympians are a part of this legacy."

    He also thanked the 54 Attican (Greater Athens) mayors for their efforts in the Paralympic torch relay, the past and present Greek governments for ensuring these Paralympic Games a reality, the International Olympic Committee and its president Jacques Rogge and its honorary life president Juan Antonio Samaranch, who were present at the ceremony.

    The IPC chief offered his gratitude to the media for their efforts, which "ensure that the images and reports of the Paralympic Games are spread to the farthest corners of the world."

    Craven highly evaluated the thousands of volunteers, praising them as "the backbone of every successful sports festival". "The optimism and goodwill of the volunteers here in Athens will be no exception. Their smiles come from a deep passion and pride contained within their beings," he said.

    He quoted ancient Greek philosopher Democritos' words more than 2,000 years ago, "to win oneself is the first and best of all victories." "This holds true for all athletes, but especially for Paralympians," he said.

    "Recognizing and cultivating your unique abilities, mastering challenges, maintaining the balance between body and spirit - you set standards and give expression for many people, young and old, around the world.

    "The essence of the Paralympic spirit is a Greek heritage, expressed in just two words 'kalos' and 'kagathos': harmony and excellence paired with nobility and ability.

    "All of you here prove every day that you are all of these things. And tomorrow you will show the world that Paralympians embody the true Greek spirit. Olympians prided themselves on returning to their ancient homeland.

    "The Paralympic Spirit has always been here!" he hailed.

    "Sport is about fair play. Sport is about mutual respect and comradeship. And sport is about coming together in peace.

    "In the run-up to Paralympic Games, we often encounter obstacles that are set by political or economic agendas.

    Craven encouraged Paralympic athletes to exercise these rights of self-determination and vote in the IPC Athletes Commission elections during the Games, "to ensure that the International Paralympic Committee remains an athlete-centered sports organization." Enditem