Amusing interlude: A group of spectators enjoys the antics of a volunteer dressed as the Paralympic mascot Le Le yesterday at the National Conventional Center. The cute cow struts her stuff between events to keep the crowds entertained. [Xinhua]

The Paralympic Games will be tremendously beneficial to Chinese society, and especially the disabled community, a senior US official said yesterday in Beijing.

"When people see what people with disabilities can accomplish, they realize what power the Games has and how it can help make society better," James Peake, secretary of veteran affairs and head of the US Paralympic delegation, said.

"It's a gradual thing for governments to make things more accessible to disabled people. But something like the Paralympics can help things to move forward more quickly," he said.

On a visit to the Paralympic Village yesterday, Peake said he was impressed by the facilities and services provided to the athletes.

"Blind athletes don't have to worry about finding their way around, and for people in wheelchairs, there are ramps in place of stairs," he said.

The opportunity to mingle with some of the American athletes at the village was also a great honor, he said.

"The delegation I have had the honor to lead has people who have set world records and won multiple gold medals," he said. "Each one has a magnificent story and I couldn't be prouder of them."

Peake, who arrived in Beijing on Thursday and left late yesterday, visited several competition venues to watch wheelchair basketball, goalball, swimming, and track and field events.

"I have great expectations for them (the American delegation) and I'm very pleased to see their success," he said.

He was also full of praise for Saturday's opening ceremony.

"It wasn't just a repeat of the wonderful opening of the Olympics. It was very well thought out and very meaningful," he said.

China has done a magnificent job of staging the Paralympic Games, Peake said.

"And all the millions who have watched it on TV will understand what kind of capability China has."

The Olympics and Paralympics will leave a great legacy of goodwill and friendship, he said.

"There is a tremendous spirit of camaraderie when the athletes representing different countries come together at the finish line to congratulate each other, even though some have won and some have lost," he said.

(China Daily September 10, 2008)