Let the awe-inspiring action begin

Another sporting treat in store as Beijing Paralympics promise to showcase bravery, brilliance

Still not had enough of the thrills and chills of last month's Winter Olympics? Then get ready for arguably an even more inspiring spectacle.

When the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games open on Friday, mankind's sheer determination to strive for sporting excellence in the face of adversity will take center stage in the Chinese capital.

With venue transitions completed to offer a total barrier-free environment, Beijing has given the world's top para athletes the perfect platform to showcase their bravery, resilience, skills and athleticism on the ice and snow.

A record of about 650 athletes from around the world will compete in 78 medal events across six sports-wheelchair curling, para ice hockey, para Alpine skiing, para snowboarding, para cross-country skiing and para biathlon-at five competition venues in downtown Beijing, its northwest Yanqing district and co-host Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, through March 13.

Para athletes from three countries-Israel, Azerbaijan and Puerto Rico-will make their Winter Paralympic debuts in Beijing, where organizers have harnessed the legacy of the 2008 Summer Paralympics to deliver state-of-the-art accessible facilities.

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, is expecting fun, fair, safe and high-quality competitions in a more inclusive Beijing.

"Our expectations are high, and especially in regard to the sport performances," Parsons told China Daily before the opening of the Games. "Above all, have fun and play fair. It's the opportunity of a lifetime to compete at the Paralympic Games. They (the athletes) should enjoy every second of it.

"I have been coming to China since 2005. So in 17 years, we have seen a lot of changes. It's a more modern country, but at the same time, maybe because of the Paralympic Games in 2008, it's a more inclusive country toward persons with disability."