QINGDAO: "I have been to many international sailing venues, but the Olympic Sailing Center in Qingdao is the best I've ever seen," said Su Li, head of the Chinese disabled sailing team and a professional sailing coach for more than 20 years.

"The barrier-free facilities for the disabled athletes meet the world's top level."

A total of 140 people, including athletes, coaches and officials are staying in Qingdao for the Games.

Facilities include a barrier-free dock and wheelchair lift.

According to Sun Lijie, secretary-general of the Olympic Sailing Committee (Qingdao), elevators with audio tones and toilets with assistive devices are provided in the Olympic Sailing Center. There are 30 barrier-free rooms in the Paralympic village. If needed, immediate help is available using an alarm in each bathroom.

The city has modified public facilities to include 175 barrier-free roads with a total distance of 320 km, 200 warning systems on streets and 149 public toilets that can be used by the disabled. Twenty taxis and 10 public buses with low doors and other features serve the competition.

Volunteers have received training to render services to the athletes if needed.

(China Daily 09/10/2008 page24)