News that the Government has finally decided to give the red carpet treatment to Paralympics gold medallist Cheung Wai-leung and his teammates is welcomed by all concerned. When it first refused to let the disabled athletes use the VIP facilities at Kai Tak Airport, the government spokesman made a derisive remark, saying that their feat was 'not a breakthrough'. This is an ostensible reason, for when the first gold medal was won at the Paralympics, the winner was not given the same accolade awarded to the Olympics windsurfing champion Lee Lai-san. The real reason behind the discriminatory attitude is, as we all know, the passive public response towards disabled persons. Mr Cheung's victory at the Paralympics has not been received by the Hong Kong public with the same kind of overwhelming furore that greeted Miss Lee. It has not generated the same feverish rush by commercial firms to cash in on her success. This is understandable, for even the mass media seemed to have played down the Paralympics held at Atlanta, where able-bodies sportsmen stole the limelight. The incident only serves to illustrate the uphill journey awaiting the newly formed Commission on Equal Opportunities set up to combat all kinds of discrimination. It also alerts us to the urgent need for concentrated efforts to educate the public against discrimination towards the disabled which often stems from the lack of public information and proper understanding. Your editorial on August 20 rightly pointed out that the success of Mr Cheung and his team-mates requires much greater courage and dedication that their able bodied counterparts: 'This community should demonstrate recognition and pride in the achievements of its disabled athletes who not only succeed in sports, but also in overcoming great adversities in life.' This community should realise that, given the opportunity, the hidden potential of the disabled can often atone. Championships at international games invariably bring honour and glory to the territory, and all venerative sportsmen should be crowned with laurels, irrespective of whether they are physically able or handicapped. True, the Hong Kong community tends to shun failure, the weak and the disabled. But here, we are having a real success story based on hard work, determination and trial and error. There is therefore every reason for the community to celebrate Hong Kong's victory at the Paralympics and to give credit where it is due. The Government has done its part in leading the public into adopting the proper attitude. The timely official recognition given to Mr Cheung and his team should set an example for private organisations and individuals to follow. Let us hope that the community will demonstrate that Hong Kong is a fair, progressive society which puts into practice 'equal opportunities and full participation' for all. PATSY LEUNG Mid-Levels
