Success of Beijing Paralympics applauded in Belgium

The Beijing Paralympic Games, which ended Wednesday, were hailed as a great success in Belgium.

The Belga news agency said the Paralympics and the summer Olympics were equally successful.

"Comparing Olympic and Paralympic Games, China promised to offer 'two games of equal splendor.' For International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven, the goal is reached," said Belga.

The Paralympic Games were marked by flawless organization and a high degree of involvement by the Chinese public, said the Belgian news agency.

The Paralympics, which attracted 4,000 athletes from some 150 countries and territories for 12 days, managed to overshadow disability thanks to the performance of increasingly better trained and more professional athletes, said Belga.

Martin Bratanov, a Belgian table tennis player, told Xinhua that the Beijing Paralympics will be remembered for modern sporting facilities, good organization and respectful spectators.

He said Craven's comments at the closing ceremony that the Beijing Paralympic Games have been the greatest ever in history were appropriate.

The wonderful opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics and Beijing Paralympics will be remembered for a long time, said Bratanov.

Xia Tingyuan, who attended the opening ceremony of the Paralympics as a representative of Chinese Belgians, said he was moved by many stories in and outside competition venues.

China's efforts paid off when athletes displayed banners reading "Hello, Beijing" or "Thank you, China," he said.

Source:Xinhua