China, which has topped the medal tally in the previous five versions, aims to maintain the leading position at the 9th Far East and South Games for the Disabled (FESPIC Games) from November 25 to December 1 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Mascot of the 9th FESPIC Games.[File Photo] |
Held once in every four years to coincide with the Asian Games, it is the biggest multi-sports and multi-disability event for athletes with disabilities in Asia and Oceania and the second largest Games for the disabled after the Paralympic Games.
China declared here on Monday that a 274-member delegation had been formed for the week-long Games. This is the largest ever Chinese delegation for the sporting event for the disabled.
About 4,000 athletes from 63 countries and regions will vie for 2,845 medals at stake at the Games. All the Games will be held at various locations in Kuala Lumpur, Bangi, Shah Alam, Subang and Port Dickson.
The Games will feature 19 sports, among which the Chinese are to compete in 289 events of 17 sports including athletics, swimming, weightlifting, judo etc.
Since 1984, the year China joined the FESPIC Games Federation, Chinese athletes had participated in the last six Games.
Deng Pufang, President of China Disabled Persons' Federation, urged Chinese athletes to win more gold medals and make solid preparation for the 2008 Beijing Paralymic Games.
At the last Games in Busan, South Korea in 2002, China won 191 gold, 90 silver and 50 bronze medals, topping the gold medal tally in five consecutive Games.
