China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games officially concluded on Monday evening, capping an inspirational eight-day event that set new records for participation and athletic achievements.
Held for the first time jointly by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area, the Games featured 46 competitive events and attracted more than 11,000 participants from 34 delegations, marking the largest turnout in the event's history.
Athletes shattered 15 world records and set 156 new national records in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, and track cycling.
The Games showcased not only extraordinary athleticism, but also the indomitable spirit of disabled competitors who transcended physical limitations through sport.
The 21-year-old Hong Kong para table tennis player Wong Yue-ching, a student at the University of Hong Kong, competed with only one-third the grip strength of an able-bodied person in her right hand. Wong used a wrist strap to secure her racket. She finished sixth in the women's singles class 7 event and credited the sport for transforming her life.
"[Playing table tennis] has completely rewritten my life. I want to become a teacher. Perhaps one day, I can teach children at a special school and share my story with them, to show that as long as you keep searching, you will surely find your path in life," said Wong.
This edition of the Games significantly increased the numbers of both Special Olympic and mass participation events, allowing more people to enjoy the fun of sports.
From seamless event organization to the creation of a comprehensive, region-wide barrier-free environment, the Games has set a benchmark and delivered a replicable model for future para-sporting events in China and beyond.
"Drawing on their complementary strengths and working in close coordination, with synchronized planning and implementation, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have extended the concept of disability inclusion far beyond the competition venues into all aspects of daily life. This not only showcases the remarkable achievements and vibrant momentum of Chinese modernization, but also highlights a new chapter in the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the advancement of the cause of the disabled," said Chang Zheng, deputy director of the Games' organizing committee.
China's 12th National Para Games conclude with record attendance, athletic achievements
China is ready to be the most trustworthy and reliable partner in Saudi Arabia's national revitalization process, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday when meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh.
China aims to strengthen all-round, mutually beneficial cooperation with the Saudi side, consolidate traditional energy collaboration, expand cooperation in emerging and future industries, and open up new prospects for the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
During the meeting, the crown prince asked Wang to convey the sincere greetings and best wishes of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and himself to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said that Saudi leaders highly value their deep friendship with Xi and attach great importance to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The crown prince said that the Saudi side stands ready to work with China to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, adding that Saudi Arabia always adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely opposes interference in China's internal affairs by external forces.
The Saudi side is willing to further deepen cooperation with China in areas such as oil and gas, new energy, artificial intelligence and high and new technologies, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia supports China's hosting of the second China-Arab States Summit and the second China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 2026, and is willing to promote the early conclusion of negotiations on the China-GCC free trade agreement.
He also thanked China for its efforts in promoting the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, adding that Saudi Arabia stands ready to maintain regular communication and coordination with China in international and multilateral affairs.
Wang conveyed Xi's cordial greetings to King Salman and the crown prince, noting that Xi has forged deep friendship and mutual trust with Saudi leaders.
China welcomes the crown prince to visit China next year to attend the second China-Arab States Summit, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to work with GCC countries to strive for the early conclusion of the China-GCC free trade agreement.
Wang said that China also stands ready to continue close communication with Saudi Arabia to inject more stabilizing factors into peace and security in the Middle East.
China ready to be Saudi Arabia's most trustworthy partner in national development: Chinese FM
