BEIJING -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday held a luncheon for international dignitaries who will attend the Beijing Paralympics closing ceremony in the evening, pledging more efforts to promote the well-being of the disabled people.
Hu started his luncheon toast by welcoming the guests and thanking those who have contributed to the success of the Games. Among the guests were International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven. (Full text of Chinese president`s toast at luncheon for Paralympics closing ceremony guests)
Hu also congratulated all the Paralympians on their outstanding performances at these Games.
"In the past 12 days, the Paralympians have, through active participation in the various events of the Games, demonstrated perseverance, optimism and an enterprising spirit and written a glorious ode to life," Hu said.
The Chinese people have, in keeping with their solemn commitment to the international community, delivered a high-standard Paralympics with distinctive features, the president said.
He reiterated that the Games will leave a rich legacy to the advancement of the well-being of people with disabilities.
"The Chinese government and people will build on the success of the Beijing Paralympic Games to carry forward the humanitarian spirit, and advance in an all-round way the well-being of people with a disability in China," he said.
The president concluded that both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have enhanced understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people of other countries.
He pledged that China will be fully committed to reform and opening-up, to the path of peaceful development and to the win-win strategy of opening-up. China is ready to join people of all countries in a common effort to build an even better world, he said.
The Beijing 2008 Paralympics, which opened on September 6 and drew about 4,000 athletes from around the world, will come to an end on Wednesday night.