Para athletes competing at China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth National Special Olympic Games have showcased great capabilities in excelling at the Games' events. Para badminton at the Paralympics comprises 26 events across two classification categories: physical impairment and hearing impairment. In contrast, Special Olympics badminton divides athletes into eight age groups and features 18 events.
This well-structured competition format ensures fairness and provides a broader platform for athletes with varying abilities to excel.
Speaking after her match, para badminton player Liu Yuemei from Hebei Province in north China said the games offer both competition and connection with her counterparts from other places.
"Standing on this stage means meeting players from all over the country. What happens on court reflects the results of my training and everything I've put in over the past four years," said Liu.
For the team from Hong Kong, the event is also about experiencing a major multi-sport environment.
"This large-scale competition jointly hosted in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area gives athletes a great chance to feel the atmosphere of a top event, show our strength, and learn from one another," said Chan Siu Yeung, team leader of the Hong Kong delegation to the Ninth National Special Olympic Games.
To ensure a smooth experience for all delegations, Macao upgraded accessibility at venues and public spaces, creating a barrier-free environment that encompasses everything from border arrival and accommodations to training sites and competition halls.
Additionally, around 1,500 volunteers are supporting the event, providing services ranging from logistics and venue operations to sign-language assistance for athletes and spectators.
A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations have registered for the Games, with the main competition schedule beginning Tuesday across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
It is the first time the two events have been jointly hosted by the three regions of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Games feature 1,876 events across 46 sports, with competitions in six winter sports having already been completed. The program includes 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events across nine Special Olympics sports.
The organizing committee said more than 11,000 athletes, coaches, referees and staff from across the county are taking part from Dec 8 to 15.
Para athletes showcase capabilities in excelling at National Games for Persons with Disabilities
