The Beijing Paralympic Games is scheduled to kick off on September, 6th. More than four thousand paralympic athletes, half of them in wheel chairs, will participate.

An official with the Organizing Committee says host country China is going all out to make their stay in Beijing a happy one.

Tang Xiaoquan, Exec. Vice President, said, "We've worked out 13 sightseeing routes for paralympic athletes to learn about the culture of this ancient capital. Every day during their stay in Beijing, special buses will carry them from the Paralympic Village to major tourist destinations, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. At the same time, we will organize meetings between them and local disabled persons so that they can have exchanges. We will also take them to visit Beijing's 'Cozy Home' and other service facilities. Service guides for barrier-free traffic will be available. Athletes can go to their favourite restaurants and shopping malls following the guide. Disabled-friendly taxicabs and shuttles are also on hand."

(CCTV August 25, 2008)