The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Marketing Program was officially launched on Monday by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) to about 500 Chinese and international business leaders.

The program was unveiled at the Beijing Hotel by BOCOG President Liu Qi, along with Deng Pufang, president of China Disabled Persons' Federation and BOCOG executive president.

Sir Philip Craven, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president, sent a congratulatory message to BOCOG.

Addressing the business community at the event, Liu Qi encouraged the active participation and partnership of domestic and international firms.

"A successful Paralympics in Beijing will further promote the development of the cause for disabled persons in China, urge the whole society to pay more attention to the cause, reinforce the construction of accessible installations for the disabled, thereby enhancing efforts to construct a harmonious society in China," Liu said.

Liu said that BOCOG was willing to cooperate closely with the IPC to strive for a high-level Paralympics with distinguishing features.

"The active participation of private enterprise constitutes a powerful guarantee for the success of the Paralympic Games, providing 'a booster' for the development of undertakings for China's disabled people and contributing greatly to the development of the world Paralympic Movement," Deng Pufang said in his event speech.

BOCOG used the event to outline the benefits of Paralympic sponsorship and explain the opportunities that exist to support the Paralympic Games.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Marketing Program consists of a Sponsorship Program and a Licensing Program. The Sponsorship Program is divided into three categories: Paralympic Partner, Paralympic Sponsor and Paralympic Supplier (both Exclusive and Co-Exclusive).

The Beijing Paralympic Games will be held from September 6 to 17, 2008. It opens 12 days after the 29th Summer Olympic Games ends on August 24.

The games will feature 20 sporting disciplines, the largest number in history, with rowing being the latest addition to the roundup. 18 of the competitions will be held in Beijing, sailing events in Qingdao, and equestrian events in Hong Kong.

For more information on the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, please visit www.beijing2008.com.

(BOCOG June 6, 2006)