Athletes and officials mightily impressed with smooth running of Games so far

Zheng Peng (front) of China competes during the Para Cross-Country Skiing men's long distance sitting of Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics at National Biathlon Center in Zhangjiakou, north China's Hebei Province, March 6, 2022. (HU HUHU/XINHUA)

At the halfway point of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, the exciting competitions, inspirational athletes and safe and smooth running of the Games have impressed global audiences.

"After the first few days of operation, I'm so proud to tell the media that we have received very positive feedback from athletes, delegation officials and sports federations," said Yang Shu'an, vice-president of the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee (BOCOG), at a news conference at the Paralympics Main Media Center on Tuesday.

The smooth running of the Beijing Winter Paralympics and the efforts of BOCOG have also impressed the International Paralympic Committee

"The quality of our snow and ice is very high. The running of the Paralympics is very smooth, and our services are comprehensive. All of these aspects have exceeded our expectations.

"The barrier-free environment and accessibility that we are providing to participants with disabilities have earned high praise. This has shown the care, love and inclusiveness of people with disabilities in our society."

The smooth running of the Beijing Winter Paralympics and the efforts of BOCOG have also impressed the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Craig Spence, the IPC's chief brand and communications officer, said there have been very few issues at all at the Games so far.

ALSO READ: Liu wins Para biathlon men's middle distance sitting gold

"The chefs de mission have all been very complimentary about the running of these Games and the care of the athletes. So congratulations to the organizing committee," said Spence.

Despite the short transition time between the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics late last month to the start of the Paralympics on Friday, the organizers made comprehensive adjustments to the transportation system for the Games to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

ALSO READ: Chinese pucksters spring ice surprise

"We have provided four types of some 300 accessible vehicles, including shuttle buses that can fit up to six wheelchair users, in all three competition zones to provide the para athletes with the best possible convenience," said Zhao Weidong, a BOCOG spokesperson, at Tuesday's news conference.

"At all venues, hotels, the airport and high-speed train stations, we have installed barrier-free facilities and accessible bathroom facilities. We also have volunteers at all positions in the venues and hotels, who are ready at all times to provide assistance to para athletes."

Zhang Mingliang (1st right) of China communicates with his teammates during the Wheelchair Curling Round Robin Match between Estonia and China of Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games at National Aquatics Center in Beijing, capital of China, on March 6, 2022. (REN CHAO / XINHUA)

Many of the barrier-free facilities at the venues and in the host cities will continue to be used after the Winter Paralympics, acting as a lasting legacy benefiting people with disabilities.

"The quality of all these barrier-free facilities will continue to be leveled up with the development of our nation, and they will help our people with disabilities to better play an active role in society," Zhao added.

Guaranteeing the safety of every participant in the Winter Paralympics is another priority of the organizing committee who've had to address the challenges of holding the Games during the pandemic.

The closed-loop system being implemented at the Games has proven to be very effective, and has also been adjusted accordingly to suit the needs of the para athletes.

ALSO READ: Yang snatches second gold from cross-country sprint sitting

"We continue to follow the Beijing 2022 Playbooks, but we made adjustments based on the needs and special conditions of the participants with disabilities," said Huang Chun, deputy director of the Beijing 2022 organizing committee's office of pandemic prevention and control.

"Certain athletes with spinal cord conditions can sometimes have high body temperatures. But after professional checks from our doctors, these athletes can still continue in their competitions.

"For athletes who are unable to wear masks, they can wear face shields instead. And for athletes who need to read lips, others are permitted to lower their face masks to communicate in certain circumstances."

According to Huang, the organizers have prepared enough doctors and nurses at the Paralympic villages and hotels to meet the diverse needs of para athletes and other participants with disabilities.