Paralympic torch relay heads for Beijing

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-04-2008 15:53

The Paralympic torch Relay is due to arrive in Beijing on Friday. It comes after touring the country for a week.

The Paralympic torch is expected to reach its final destination,  Beijing, later on Thursday.

The Paralympic torch is expected to reach its final destination, Beijing, later on Thursday. The route in the capital covers new and old landmarks.

Sun Xuecai, vice director of Beijing Municipal Athletics Admin., said, "The torch relay route will pass through the China Millennium Monument, Summer Palace and Chaoyang Park. A total of 240 torch-bearers will be participating in this 12-kilometer relay over two days, with each one covering about 50 meters."

The torchbearers are proud of their mission and hope to share their spirit with the world.

Paralympic torchbearer Liu Xiaoxia said, "My son will help me finish my part of the relay by pushing my wheelchair. Although we are disabled, we want to tell the public we'll never give up on moving on."

Paralympic torchbearer Yang Lixin said, "We should pay more attention to the Paralympic Games than the Olympics. That's because the former can better represent the indomitable and persevering spirit we human beings are pursuing."

Torchbearers with disabilities account for about a fifth of the 850 total. The flame, representing the sporting spirit of the Paralympians, has passed through 10 cities across the nation so far, covering more than 10,000 kilometers.

The Paralympic torch relay will start at the China Millennium Monument on Friday morning. Its arrival in the capital makes the drum beat for the 13th Paralympic Games increasingly louder. During the next two weeks Beijing will be transformed from the Olympic city to the Paralympic city.

Editor:Zhang Ning