Editorial | Time to cheer on our disabled athletes
The National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Special Olympic Games have begun. Every effort must be made to ensure success
The National Games ended last month, but the action is not over. This week, it is the turn of disabled athletes to compete and perform. They deserve strong support. Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau are co-hosting the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Special Olympic Games. It is China’s equivalent of the Paralympics.
This will be the biggest Games yet, with more than 9,000 athletes and coaches participating in a total of 46 sports. Hong Kong is the location for four events. Sadly, the torch relay planned for November 29 in host cities and the opening ceremony scheduled for Monday in Guangzhou were both cancelled as a mark of respect for victims of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong. This was an appropriate step to take. There will be a simple closing ceremony.
But now the contest is under way, with medals being won, it is time to back the athletes and cheer them on. Competition will be intense. Hong Kong’s team of more than 280 is the largest yet. They are hoping to build on a strong performance in the Paralympics in Paris last year, where they won eight medals, including three gold.
The city is aiming to develop sports for disabled athletes and the government has rewarded their achievements with the injection of more funds. This must continue.
China’s disabled athletes are the best in the world, topping the Paralympics medal table in Paris with 94 golds. The competitors have overcome great challenges to perform at the highest level. Their determination and dedication is inspirational. But the Games have a significance beyond sporting excellence. They raise awareness of the contribution disabled people generally make to society, highlighting the need to combat discrimination and to be inclusive. They are an opportunity to raise awareness that must not be missed.
Hong Kong co-hosted the National Games and has been trusted to do an equally good job in staging the contests for those with physical and mental disabilities. Test events have been held and facilities upgraded to ensure barrier-free access.