Lasting legacies, changing attitudes ensure society is the real winner

"The city has newly built and renovated sidewalks for visually impaired people, totaling about 360 kilometers in length. The city also has 680 barrier-free toilets, 803 barrier-free parking spots and 100 barrier-free escalators."

Another key legacy of the Winter Paralympics is to promote the idea of inclusivity.

Beijing now has 666 so-called "Sweet Homes" for people with disabilities, where they can receive training and guidance on fitness, social services, learning new skills, and employment opportunities.

"The Games send this message of inclusion, that persons with disabilities can do whatever they want - if given the opportunity," said Andrew Parsons, the IPC president.

"We saw that at the 2008 Summer Games, and we noticed how opinions and perceptions of persons with disabilities changed in Chinese society.

"People will witness the power of Paralympic sports and they will grow with a more inclusive approach. In terms of changing attitudes in China, and given China has about 6 to 7 percent of the world's persons with disabilities, it's super important to have this message here and to be understood by Chinese society."

Yan Jiarong, a BOCOG spokesperson, stressed how the Games promote an "accessibility mindset".

"It is even more important and a more difficult task to remove conceptual barriers, which is the case all over the world," said Yan.

An 'accessibility mindset' is very simple: Every one of us has an understanding and tolerant heart, and truly respects, cares and helps friends with disabilities so that they can better integrate into society.

"It is strongly anticipated that the Beijing Winter Paralympics will help change society's attitude toward people with disabilities, encourage people to pay more attention to improving their lives, help them participate in society on an equal basis, obtain more and better employment, education and medical care opportunities, and improve their sense of security, well-being and happiness.

"We believe that the Beijing Winter Paralympics are not only a grand sports event but also a grand event that promotes the virtues of helping people with disabilities and social progress."