Feng Jianzhong, deputy head of the General Administration of Sport (GAS), is interviewed by Xinhuanet in Beijing Sept. 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo/Xu Peng) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The Beijing Paralympic Games has a profound impact on the cause of the disabled people, a senior Chinese sports official said on Monday.

    "China's hosting of the Paralympics has deepened the whole society's understanding of 'humanism, humanity and human rights,' and will have a profound impact on improving the disabled people's welfare, including recovery, employment and education, as well as the culture undertaking of the disabled people," said Feng Jianzhong, deputy head of the General Administration of Sport (GAS), during an exclusive interview with Xinhuanet.

    "Moreover, it will further build up the whole society's awareness to respect, care about and help the people with disabilities, and fully demonstrate China's progressin civilization," Feng added.

    "By hosting the Paralympics, Beijing and co-hosted cities have become the barrier-free cities, thus further improving the living conditions and living standards of the disabled people," Feng said.

    Feng also said the Paralympics provide people with a positive sense of value. By watching the Paralympics, people can vividly feel the positive attitude of the para-athletes, and can thus face the setbacks in their own life with courage.

    Feng also said the hosting of the Paralympics in Beijing has raised the social concerns for the disabled people, and interpreted the concept of "Transcendence, equality and Integration," thus realizing the ideal of "One world, One dream."