Zhou Changkui, vice-chairman of the eighth Presidium and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), met with Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), in Beijing on July 13.
Zhou welcomed Parsons and thanked the IPC for its long‑standing support for the development of China's Paralympics sports.
He noted that with the care and support of the Chinese government, the cause of persons with disabilities has made significant progress and the environment for their equal participation in social life has steadily improved.
Paralympics sports in China have reached a new level, as evidenced by the successful hosting of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th Special Olympics, as well as the Chinese delegation's top ranking in both gold medals and the overall medal tally at the Milan Winter Paralympics.
He added that China recently unveiled a plan aimed at further improving social security, public services and living standards for people with disabilities over the next five years, with a dedicated chapter on sports. It aims to promote balanced progress in both competitive and mass participation sports for disabled people.
Zhou emphasized that the CDPF's philosophy in developing disability sports was right in line with that of the IPC. Moreover, he expressed the federation's readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation, host international events and activities, and contribute more Chinese strength to the global Paralympics movement.
For his part, Parsons highly commended the great achievements of China's disability cause. He called for stronger exchanges and cooperation with China in the field of Paralympics sports to jointly advance the reform and development of the international Paralympics movement.
The meeting was attended by officials from the CDPF's Department of Sports, Department of International Liaison, and Sports Management Center.