Hangzhou Para Games shows warmth with humane barrier-free facilities

Photo: Cui Meng/GT

As the Hangzhou Asian Para Games saw athletes claim medals and set records on the field, the city, where the Games is underway, has also shown its warmth and consideration with its barrier-free facilities.

According to reports, nearly 5,200 people from 44 Asian countries and regions are participating in the Asian Para Games, making it the largest ever. To ensure the smooth running of such a large-scale event, the Hangzhou Asian Para Games Organizing Committee upgraded and renovated the accessible facilities at competition venues, the Asian Para Games Village and reception hotels.

Inside the Hangzhou Wenhui School, the combination of various technologies testifies to the Games' spirit of "optimism, harmony, perseverance and sharing." 

The school hosted the boccia competition. Its sports venue was the first one in the history of the Asian Para Games to be transformed from a basic education school playground.

The venue's highlight is its smart technology.

Accessible mobile restrooms have been set up at multiple locations on the sidelines of the field. The doors automatically open in advance when athletes in wheelchairs approach on the accessible ramps.

The accessible voice interaction system inside the restrooms is able to guide people with disabilities to the right spot through sound and light.

The renovation of the accessible facilities at Hangzhou Wenhui School is just a glimpse at the accessible services at the Asian Para Games. 

To better allow spectators with disabilities to watch the Games, Hangzhou constructed permanent accessibility facilities at 19 competition venues. Venue elevators have braille on buttons, and special accessible seats for people with disabilities are located in the stadium. 

Inside the Games Village, about 1,100 accessible beds provide athletes with a warm and comfortable living experience, and the rooms are equipped with emergency call buttons and round-cornered furniture.

"In the past three years, I have visited 19 venues and participated in the evaluation and experience of improving the accessibility facilities of the competition venues. I am very pleased to see that the accessibility environment construction of the venues is getting better and better," said Zhang Hua, president of the Hangzhou Barrier-free Environment Promotion Association, adding that these facilities allow people with disabilities to integrate into society.

Chen Weiqiang, executive secretary-general of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee, told the China News Agency that this is the largest Asian Para Games in history. 

"The 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games and have had the same standards with the Hangzhou Asian Games, and have made full preparations in terms of accessibility facilities and personalized services," Chen said.

Outside the venues, the local government also created five accessible tourist routes centered on World Heritage Sites such as West Lake, the Liangzhu Ruins, and the Grand Canal. 

During the opening ceremony on Sunday, Cui Wei, vice director of the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games, told the Global Times that the ceremony was dedicated to inviting everyone to Hangzhou as the city is permeated with the aroma of osmanthus in October. 

"If the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games was romantic and spectacular, then the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games is warm, touching and inspiring," said Cui.