BEIJING, Sept.  6 (Xinhuanet) -- IPC President Phil Craven expressed his high expectation of the Beijing Paralympic Games, saying the gathering will be fantastic.

    The Beijing Paralympics will be a tremendous sports event and offer incredible opportunities, he said in a press conference here Saturday.

    By these opportunities, Craven added, the paralympians will show "what they can do, how they can perform, how they are very much the equal of their Olympic peers." 

    "With more countries than ever, more sports than ever and more athletes than ever, that's great news for the Paralympic Movement," said Craven.

    Craven also praised the work of the organizing committee, saying the IPC officials are very pleased with the Games preparations and facilities, including the transition center, the Paralympic village and the Main Press Center.

    "There are so many positive things," Craven said.