President Hu Jintao proposes a toast during a luncheon at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing Sept. 17, 2008. President Hu Jintao held a luncheon here Wednesday for international dignitaries who will attend the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the evening.(Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of a toast by Chinese President Hu Jintao at a luncheon for guests who will attend the Beijing Paralympics closing ceremony here on Wednesday night.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and International Paralympic Committee(IPC) President Philip Craven enter the banqueting hall of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Sept. 17, 2008. President Hu Jintao held a luncheon here Wednesday for international dignitaries who will attend the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the evening.(Xinhua/Fan Rujun) Photo Gallery>>>

    Toast by H.E. Hu Jintao

    President of the People's Republic of China

    At the luncheon in honor of distinguished guests attending the closing ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games

    17 September 2008

    Your Excellency Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee,

    Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, Distinguished Heads of State and Government and Members of Royal Families, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Dear Friends,

    Tonight, the Beijing Paralympic Games will come to a close. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to extend a warm welcome to you and express sincere thanks to all the friends who have contributed to the success of the Games. I also wish to offer heartfelt congratulations to the Paralympians from various countries and regions on their outstanding performances at the Games.

    In the past 12 days, the Paralympians have, through active participation in the various events of the Games, demonstrated perseverance, optimism and an enterprising spirit and written a glorious ode to life. The Chinese people have, in keeping with their solemn commitment to the international community, greeted guests from across the world with warm hospitality and delivered a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features. The Chinese people and people of the whole world have shared the success and joy of the Games.

    The Paralympic Games is a big sports event for people with a disability. It is also a grand cultural event which has given full expression to humanity's pursuit of transcendence, participation and joy. The concept of "transcendence, integration and equality" of the Beijing Paralympic Games represents the good wishes of people of the whole world and will leave a rich legacy to the advancement of the well-being of people with a disability.

    The Chinese government and people will build on the success of the Beijing Paralympic Games to carry forward the humanitarian spirit and advance in an all-round way the well-being of people with a disability in China. And we will work with the governments and people of other countries to promote the development of sports and the overall well-being for people with a disability worldwide.

Chinese President Hu Jintao holds a luncheon for international dignitaries who will attend the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing Sept. 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Photo Gallery>>>

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Dear Friends,

    The Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have promoted the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace, presented a harmonious picture of exchanges and cooperation among people of the whole world and enhanced the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people of other countries. China will be fully committed to reform and opening-up, to the path of peaceful development and to the win-win strategy of opening-up. We are ready to join people of all countries in a common effort to build an even better world.

    I now propose a toast,

    To the continued growth of the International Paralympic Movement,

    To greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world, and

    To the health of all the distinguished guests present and your families.

    Cheers!