Humanity shines as memorable Paralympic Games close in Beijing(2)

Special: 2022 Winter Olympics

SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE GAMES

With the world still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of the participants of these Paralympic Games has been a top priority of the Beijing 2022 organizers.

Thanks to strict and effective countermeasures including the closed-loop management system and daily testing, the number of positive cases in the closed-loop has been dynamically dropped to zero during the Winter Paralympics, according to the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee (BOCOG).

"I think we are very satisfied that we are providing the safe environment to the athletes," Parsons said. "So it's not only about providing them an environment where they don't get the virus, but they feel that they are safe. And I think this is what we are experiencing here."

Preceding the 2008 Paralympic Games, wheelchair access was put in place throughout Beijing's subway stations. The infrastructure improvement is no less manifest for 2022.

The National Aquatics Center has installed over 100 meters of ramp; the National Alpine Skiing Center has specially designed cable cars for those with lower limb deficiencies. In addition, 41 hospitals, 18 hotels have been upgraded to improve accessibility.

Parsons has called the Beijing 2022 venues "some of the best winter sport venues in the world," which was echoed by many participating athletes and coaches.

"When it comes to accessibility and [being] barrier-free, I think the athletes can speak even better than I can," Parsons said. "Our accessibility experts are very happy about that. So far I did not receive any complaint, which is always a good sign."

"The facilities are perfect. Everything is good and acceptable. We have big rooms and big bedrooms. They have special bedrooms for athletes with wheelchairs," said Dutch coach Nicky Elsewaerd.

American Paralympic ice hockey athlete Kyle Zych said he felt grateful for the barrier-free facilities installed ahead of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. "We're so lucky to experience such an amazing village and venue."

Meanwhile, the volunteers have contributed to the successful hosting of the Games, as Parsons also lauded their work by saying: "If athletes are the beating heart of any edition of the Games, the volunteers are the soul, with their smiles, energy, and enthusiasm."

"I have experienced five Paralympic Winter Games, and the Chinese volunteers are the best," said Japanese para Alpine skier Gakuta Koike.