Respected Vice-President Zeng Qinghong

Respected IPC President Craven and Diplomatic Envoys

Comrades and Friends:

Today is a special date. Two years to the day from now, we will hail the celebration for people with a disability the world over -- the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. We, together with our friends with a disability across the globe, are eagerly looking forward to the Games.

People with a disability are important contributors to the civilization and history of the human race and also constitute an important force in building a harmonious world. It is the solemn pledge of the Chinese Government and people to present to the world a high-level Paralympic Games with distinguishing features, which will demonstrate the to-be-the-best spirit of people with a disability and will help to promote the Paralympic Movement and various undertakings of people with a disability. Over the past five years, with the strong support from the Chinese Government and the Chinese people, all aspects of the preparations for the Beijing Paralympic Games, including competition organization, marketing and venue construction, have been progressing steadily as planned. In the coming two years, we will work all the harder, in accordance with the requirement of "concurrent preparation, equal splendour," in order to offer the world a high-level Paralympic Games with distinguishing features.

Today, we are unveiling the mascot of the Beijing Paralympic Games. The mascot embodies the passion and efforts of many people from home and overseas, and it is the crystallization of the work by numerous people. Its image, with strong Chinese style, combines the virtues of benevolence, hardworking and striving for excellence. The mascot, together with the emblem featuring the elements of the Sky, Earth and Man, will integrate the fine Chinese tradition of "striving to become stronger and great virtues carrying great responsibilities" with the theme slogan of the Beijing Paralympic Games -- One World One Dream. It will also send the best wishes of the Chinese people to people with a disability in all parts of the world: Happiness, Peace and Good Luck.

Dear friends, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games are getting nearer and nearer towards us. I believe that the Paralympic mascot, with its lovely and vivid image, will bring friendliness, joy and good luck to all parts of the world in the next two years. It will sow the seeds of caring about people with a disability, understanding people with a disability and supporting people with a disability in the hearts of the peoples the world over. We hope that people with a disability will work side by side with us in promoting the Olympic spirit and building a harmonious world and that they will share the happy life with us.

Thank you!