The Paralympic torch relay finished its last stop of "modern China" route in Dalian prior to its return to Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhang Dehong (right) holds the Paralympic torch with the help of a torch escort and a guide dog during the Dalian relay on Wednesday. [Xinhua]

Dalian, the city hosting both Olympic and Paralympic torch relay, launched the relay in the Star Sea Square, the symbolic site of scenery in the city, at 9:45 a.m. for a 3.8km relay to the destination located in the Dalian Forest Zoo.

Twelve of the 70 torch carriers were from the disabled group. Li Yang, the councilor of Dalian Disabled Persons' Federation, was entitled to pass the first torch on wheelchair.

Li has been working for the disabled for 25 years and he is an advocate of sports participation for the disabled.

"I love sports though I lost my legs. I don't think the disabled body can prevent me from taking part in sports activities," said Li.

"I don't think sports belong to athletes only. Sport is important for the healthy, and even more important for us, the disabled. We need to search for our abilities and we need sport to help us build confidence," added he.

"I am longing for the opening of Beijing Paralympics as much as I was looking forward to the Beijing Olympics.

"It's a great day for me and it's a great day for all the disabled in Dalian. I would like to give my thanks to those caring and attending us from all walks of life. The life for the disabled is promising as we are receiving more and more attention."

Yang Guang, the third one upholding the torch, lost his eyesight since he was eight months old, but has never stopped aspiring for music.

He won the yearly champion of 2007 "Star Avenue" show in CCTV. He also was invited to sing a song in 2008 Spring Festival party programs of CCTV.

"As a person with no eyesight, I need to see the world in a distinctive way. Singing renders me such a method and singing renders me light," said Yang.

"We, the disabled, need to find our values by ourselves. God takes something from you, then God gives you something special, so never give up on life and never give up on hope.

"When you look back to your life someday, you can tell you deserve your life. That would be a good life," added he.

The last torchbearer was Li Jingrui, vice secretary general of CPC from Dalian. He wrapped up the relay at 10:35.

"I really hope the torch relay and the Paralympic Games can bring more concerns and cares to the disabled persons. They're a group special, so they need special attention and regards," said Li.

"They lose something in body, but we don't want them to lose something in life. I hope everyone can find it's a part of the society necessary."

The relay route in Dalian featured half seaside road and half mountain road. In seaside part, speed boats escorted the relay.

Drum performers from communities performed in a couple of spots along the route. Cheers for the Paralympic torch relay could been heard here and there just in par with the Olympic torch relay.

On Thursday, the relay of "ancient China" route will visit Luo Yang, an ancient capital of China.

The route of "modern China" has come to its last stop in Beijing for two-day relay before arriving at the opening ceremony of the 13th Paralympics in the "Bird Nest", China's National Stadium.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2008)