The South Korean government has promised to provide more support for its disabled athletes competing in the Beijing Paralympic Games which officially opened on Saturday.

"I give you my word that more effort and support will be made in the future to improve the environment for disabled athletes," South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo said at the inaugural ceremony of the country's Paralympic delegation, composed of 132 members, including athletes and coaches for 13 events.

Han attended Saturday's opening ceremony and said he will cheer up for the athletes, who are aiming for a 14th place in the medals tally, with 13 golds.

South Korea finished 16th at the Athens Paralympics with 11 gold medals.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)