Majid Rashed, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, spoke highly of the efforts China has made to develop sports for people with disabilities.

"China has made great achievements in the field due to its clear goals, strategic planning and hard work," he made the remark during his meeting with Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of China Disabled Persons' Federation.

Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of China Disabled Persons' Federation, meets with Majid Rashed, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee. [Photo by Zhang Yuqi/Xinhua] 

They attended the opening ceremony of the 10th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the seventh National Special Olympics Games, due to be open on Aug 25 and will run till Sept 1 in the North China’s coastal city of Tianjin.

Rashed also lauds the facilities and environment provided for the people with disabilities in Tianjin.

Upon the first day he arrived the city, he said he experienced the warmth of the local people and appreciated the beauty of the city.

The host city is also making efforts to be more accessible.

Some 500 new buses equipped with facilities for people with disabilities have been put into service by the government, and local service providers like subway staff and bus drivers have learned sign language to help people in need.

Starting from this month, the Tianjin Metro App has been offering facial recognition access to local people with disabilities. They can travel on subway trains free of charge after they register online.

An app known as Rongchang was also launched this month to help people with disabilities check barrier-free facilities in public areas and plan routes.

yangcheng@chinadaily.com.cn