Modern Route ends in Dalian

The Modern China route of the Paralympic torch relay made its final stop before Beijing yesterday, here in this port city in Liaoning province.

The event began at 9:45 am at the Star Sea Square in the center of the city - which recently welcomed the Olympic torch relay - before traveling 3.8 km to Dalian Forest Zoo.

Seventy people served as torchbearers, 14 of them physically disabled, and carried the flame along its winding route through the city's business district, residential areas and popular local beauty spots.

The honor of completing the opening leg was handed to Li Yang, one of the founders and current chairman of the Dalian Disabled Persons' Federation, the first such organization to be set up in China. Li lost both of his legs to polio at the age of 3.

"I have always loved sports despite losing my legs and my disability will never stop me from taking part in sport," he said.

"I don't think sport belongs to just athletes. It's good for everyone, and disabled people can use it to help build confidence.

"This is a great day for me and it's a great day for all disabled people in Dalian," he said.

"I would like to thank all those people from all walks of life who have helped make the lives of disabled here so much better."

Dalian has been at the forefront of promoting public awareness of the needs of people with physical disabilities.

Over the past 20 years, the city government has spent more than 400 million yuan on improving facilities and services for people with physical handicaps.

The 26th torchbearer of the day was Li Chunji, the coach of Liaoning's Paralympic wheelchair racers.

"I have been training disabled athletes for 20 years, and two of my students will compete in Beijing.

"So I feel like my dream has come true," he said.

The torch for the Modern China route was transferred to Beijing yesterday afternoon, where it will be used for a two-day tour of the capital before heading to the Bird's Nest for the Games' opening ceremony.

The Ancient China route of the torch relay will make its final call today in Luoyang, Henan province.

Xinhua contributed to the story

Source: China Daily