Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Rebecca Nadin, Assistant Director of the Environment, Science, and Sport Section of the British Council in China, said: “The Paralympic Movement began in the UK, which continues to be the strongest base of Paralympic sport, and more generally a key promoter of education, participation, and inclusion through sport. The British Council wants to help China and the UK to secure an international legacy to their Beijing and London Paralympic Games.”

She told China.org.cn that the Young Advocates Program will help provide Beijing and China with a Paralympic legacy by contributing to the 2008 Paralympic Games activities through the Youth Forum, and by providing the Young Advocates with the skills to become the actual legacy.

“We want these people to spread the Paralympic Spirit long after the games have finished and disseminate the skills they have gained through the program”, she said.

She added: “These young people will use their new skills to disseminate information and training in their schools, colleges or communities. Through them, millions of people will become aware of the Paralympic Games, the Paralympic Spirit and social inclusion.”