The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, May 8) -- Beijing's Summer Palace hosted the 18th national support day for persons with disabilities on Thursday. Sixty people with disabilities enjoyed the "one-on-one" attention provided by volunteers at the event.
Training results
At 9 a.m., the volunteers began their "work" under the guidance of trainers from the BOCOG volunteer department.
The first group of guests were wheelchair users, who were treated to a special tour of the Summer Palace. The visually impaired made up the second group, who were also guided around the tourist site by volunteers.
Guides were also on hand to introduce the Summer Palace using sign language.
Over one hundred "smiling wristbands" were distributed on Thursday. The wristbands serve to symbolize the Olympic volunteer spirit.
The activity was aimed at showcasing the training the volunteers have gone through in order to prepare for the upcoming Paralympics. Under the direction of trained experts, the volunteers provided cultured, attentive, and personal services to the visitors of the Summer Palace, who enjoyed the barrier-free atmosphere.
New friends
During the tour around Beijing's ancient site, the wheelchair guests ran into some friends from the Democratic Republic of Korea. These visitors were also wheelchair users, and both sides greeted each other very warmly upon first sight.
Fortunately, one tour guide who spoke Korean was able to act as translator between the two groups. A guest from the DPRK expressed her satisfaction at the Summer Palace's barrier-free facilities, noting the easy access to restrooms via ramps. She also was happy about the independence afforded to wheelchair users throughout the park, saying that she could push herself around to tour the site with no problem.
The DPRK friends also spoke about the other changes they've noticed that Beijing has made to better accommodate people with disabilities, including ramps, tactile guide paths, support bars, enlarged elevators, etc.
A deeper understanding
Some volunteers pushed those in wheelchairs, others supported those with other physical disabilities. They group sang their way through the Summer Palace, fully enjoying the fresh environment provided by the scenery.
One volunteer who hails from Beijing University of Chemical Technology told reporters that because the activity only lasted one morning, she made it her duty to communicate deeply with her new friends, to try to fully understand their world.
A representative of the Summer Palace expressed her belief that not only is barrier-free access important in aiding persons with disabilities, effective communication and learning how to become friends with them is even more important. The results of the training for Paralympic volunteers can be very plainly seen by their interactions with the participants in the activity at the Summer Palace. Their patient, friendly attitudes helped deliver people-centered services.
Pan Hongyu, of the Beijing Blind Massage Center, said that taking part in this activity was a highlight of her life. She remarked that she could feel the support and concern of all of the volunteers.
One big family
Among the BOCOG leaders present was Zhao Wenzhi, who spoke about the Paralympics as a historic opportunity for persons with disabilities to showcase their athletic skills. The leader emphasized that Paralympic training was the most important part of preparatory work for the Games.
She emphasized her desire to create a familial environment for those with disabilities.
Training centers
According to reports, 7 organizations have been declared training centers for the Beijing Olympics, including Beijing's Summer Palace and several universities in the capital.
Captured by the Olympic spirit, all volunteers and training centers are hard at work preparing for the approaching Paralympic Games in the hopes of creating a warm, comfortable environment for the athletes.
(Photo credit: Fan Fan)
