The Beijing Paralympic Games will be a grand celebration for all people in the world, chief organizer Liu Qi said at the Games' opening ceremony in the National Stadium in north Beijing on Saturday night.

"The Beijing Paralympic Games is first and foremost a grand sports event for the Paralympic athletes of the world .. It is also a glorious event for each and every person all over the world," Liu said.

"The passion and dreams of the Paralympic Movement will be enjoyed to its fullest," he told a packed stadium.

Liu has headed the organization which hosted a memorable and "truly exceptional" Olympic Games, and he is looking forward to presenting the Paralympics with "equal splendor".

"The Chinese people uphold the spirit of self-reliance and perseverance, and they are proud of their virtue of supporting and helping people with a disability," he said.

"It is our earnest hope that the Beijing Paralympic Games will unfold into a magnificent event filled with joy, friendship, dreams and success. The whole world will witness and experience the Chinese people's enthusiasm for embracing the world," he assured.

The Paralympics will run from Sept. 6-17.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)