Source: CCTV.com

09-12-2008 10:59

Special Report:   Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

The Paralympics continues to carry the Olympic spirit here in Beijing. Every athlete at the 2008 Paralympics is presented with a gift of Chinese traditional handicrafts. The gifts are meant to extend blessings from a group of people, who like the athletes have disabilities. The artists who crafted the pieces are from the "Home for the Disabled" in Beijing's Houhai area.

The Paralympics continues to carry the Olympic spirit here  in Beijing. Every athlete at the 2008 Paralympics is presented with a gift of Chinese traditional handicrafts.

This quiet courtyard and its adjacent buildings have been transformed into a comfortable home for over three hundred handicapped people.

Chen Hong is the person in charge. Her right leg became deformed when she was just a year old. At 40 she was laid off from her job.

By chance, Chen learnt about the "Home for Disabled".

As an adept handicraft artist, she began teaching others to fashion toys and ornaments.

Chen Hong said, "We want to make this place a cosy home for disabled people. People should feel comfortable and warm here. If they have problems, we help to work them out."

The handicrafts, produced under Chen's guidance are sold at a souvenir shop on Pipe Street.