The Paralympic Village is big, but you will never get lost here, because there are so many volunteers right by your side and always ready to help, said Mark Todd, an observer for the 2012 London Olympic Committee, in Beijing to gain experience for the next Olympics.

In an interview with China.org.cn at the Paralympic Village, Manchester-born Todd said: "The Paralympic Village is fantastic. It's got all the necessary services, a Bank, a Post Office, Express delivery, a laundry, a barber shop, a souvenir shop and an entertainment center. I am learning a lot about how to run the next Olympics and Paralympics."

Yang Cuisong, Media Operations Manager for the Paralympic Village, said the Village aims to provide useful services on a human level for athletes and officials living here.

Todd said the right handle of his wheelchair was broken and he had thought about renting one, but couldn't bear to be parted from his "old companion", which has been traveled round the world with him for the past nine years. Mark said he wanted to let his companion see Beijing before he buys a new one.

Todd said he was enjoying his stay in Beijing and the Village. "I don't actually live in the village, but I come here very often, and the athletes tell me they are very comfortable here, it's very spacious, and there's plenty of room to relax." Asked about whether he felt lost in such a big place, Todd laughed: "You can't get lost here. There are so many volunteers around, they know everything you need to know, so if you have any questions, you just have to open your mouth and ask.”

Todd has been in Beijing since the Olympics games opened on August 8 and has visited many famous spots, such as the Forbidden City and Beihai Park.

The Olympic (Paralympic) Village is located at the northwest corner of the Olympic Green, with the major Olympic competition venues to its south and the Olympic Forest Park to its north. It is composed of a residential district, an international district, and an operational district and covers an area of 66 hectares.

(China.org.cn September 10, 2008)