Beijing Winter Paralympics set new benchmark for Games

With a safe environment inside the closed loop, smooth operations at venues, and spectacular performances at Friday's opening ceremony, organizers are confident that the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics will become a benchmark for future Games.

"So far, from what we have seen here, the preparations have been first-class. Also, China is pushing at the sports front as well. I think these Games are really going to raise the bar in terms of how to organize the Paralympic Winter Games in the future. We are so pleased with what we have here," said Craig Spence, the chief brand and communications officer for the International Paralympic Committee, at a media conference in Beijing on Saturday.

Working closely with the IPC, the Beijing organizing committee (BOCOG) has made huge efforts to guarantee a safe and smooth Winter Paralympics, especially given the short transition time following the conclusion of the Winter Olympics late last month.

Despite all the challenges, not least the pandemic prevention work, organizers have managed to provide a complete barrier-free environment for participants.

All the volunteers received extensive training in how best to assist para athletes and media staff with disabilities. In addition, all the venues and Paralympic villages are equipped with comprehensive barrier-free facilities to meet the diverse needs of para athletes.

"I want to congratulate Beijing 2022. The entire team's incredible work has gotten us to this point. We have received very positive feedback from the athletes and team officials on their experience in the Paralympic villages, at the venues and the warm welcome they received from the volunteers," said Colleen Wrenn, the IPC's chief Paralympic Games delivery officer, at Saturday's media conference.

"We had a really short period of time for the transition between the Olympics and Paralympics. But thanks to the efforts of the organizing committee, that transition is seamless.

"I also want to thank the organizing committee for honoring their commitments in regard to accessibility, which benefits not only our Paralympic Winter Games' participants but also leaves a lasting legacy in China."

Stirring opening ceremony

Featuring touching performances and stunning computer-generated visual effects, Friday's Paralympics opening ceremony at the iconic National Stadium, aka the Bird's Nest, wowed the world.

"The fact that this has been the most spectacular, the most impressive opening ceremony of any Paralympic Winter Games will be written time and again," said Yiannis Exarchos, the CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS).

"The ceremony of course had many things going for it, (including) probably the world's most beautiful venue, which keeps on giving. The Bird's Nest is one of the most photogenic places to hold any event in the world. When you fill it with people, the emotion is something incredible. An incredible technological setup. And also a fantastic fireworks show."

In a stirring example of the Paralympic spirit, the valiant attempts of final torchbearer Li Duan to light the Paralympic flame struck a chord.

Because of his visual impairment, it took the four-time Paralympic gold medalist about a minute to light the cauldron. When his task was complete, the Bird's Nest erupted in applause and cheers.

"We all know that was a very risky decision to choose a visually impaired athlete to light the Paralympic cauldron. After extensive training, however, we were confident that he would be able to do it," said Shen Chen, director of the opening ceremony.

"All the people inside the venue held their breath to witness Li Duan reach out to place the torch in the right position, and in the end, all the spectators started to cheer for him. The moment that the Paralympic cauldron was lit by him was the best showcase of the theme of our opening ceremony, that is 'the Blossoming of Life'."