Many spectators who watched the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics on Saturday night said they admire the disabled athletes very much for their perseverance and fighting spirit.

"Before the Beijing Paralympics, I always felt sympathetic with the disabled person," said a Hebei University student surnamed Dong.

"But now I feel different. They are courageous. I really learned a lot this time."

The 20-year-old traveled to Beijing by train to watch the opening ceremony at the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest.

"I also watched the Olympic Games, but actually I care more about the Paralympics, because the disabled athletes are more admirable," he said.

Many shared the same feeling with Dong.

"I used to think that they live an unhappy life, but now I realized I was wrong," said Zhai Feng, who along with her husband and son, took her way from a neighboring province to watch the opening ceremony.

"They are happy and brave fighters, and their life is no different from ours," she added.

Qing Feng, a reporter who doesn't have eyesight and works at a Beijing-based news organization, said he was touched by the enthusiasm and applause of the audience.

"I am very, very excited. People pay as much attention to the Paralympics as to the Olympics, and it moved me a lot. Our society is like one big family," said the 27-year-old Qing.

"The disabled need not only affection and care, but also equality, respect and trust."

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)