Disaster relief and Paralympic preparations are priority

Liu Yandong, Lu Yongxiang and Deng Pufang receive a brief introduction to Olympic sailing venues. (Photo credit: Li Ziheng/Xinhua)

(QINGDAO, May 16) -- In anticipation of National Helping-the-Disabled Day on Sunday, BOCOG Vice-President of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) Liu Yandong heard about the progress of preparations for the Paralympics and urged the Qingdao Sailing Committee to prepare for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games with careful organization and planning.

Liu, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, State Councilor, and BOCOG Vice-President, also spoke about the earthquake in Sichuan, saying that disaster relief should be the most significant and urgent task of the government. She said that the earthquake has caused great loss of life and property in Wenchuan of Sichuan Province. Under the leadership of the CPC central committee and the state council, disaster relief has been carried out in an orderly and effective fashion, she said.

She urged people from all walks of life to answer the government's call to support disaster relief work and help people affected by the earthquake rebuild their homes.

Liu Yandong, Lu Yongxiang and Deng Pufang receive a brief introduction to Olympic sailing venues. (Photo credit: Li Ziheng/Xinhua)

Liu gave her well wishes to people with a disability, their relatives and all who are committed to helping people with a disability, as well as Paralympic athletes and coaches.

She said that people with a disability and sports for people with a disability are important to the party and the government. She said that local governments and various ministries must carry out the "Viewpoints of CPC Central Committee and State Council on Developing the Cause of People with Disability" and promote the development of the sports among people with a disability.

Liu said that the people of the committee must work hard to ensure that reception, organization and barrier-free facilities are well prepared and to ensure public security for the Paralympics.

She encouraged athletes with a disability to show a spirit of perseverance and tenacity at the Paralympics and strive for good results for the country.

Her visit to Qingdao also included visits to local scientific research institutes, university and high-tech enterprises.

Lu Yongxiang, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Deng Pufang, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), were also present.