By Tabitha L. Messick

With 5 days left of competition, China's Paralympic medal count has already surpassed its Olympic medal count. China won 100 medals at the Olympic Games including 51 gold.

The BOCOG/IPC joint press conference on Sep. 12.

"There is a high morale of all the athletes in China," said Wang Wei, executive vice president and secretary general of BOCOG at the BOCOG/IPC joint press conference today.

However he said the numbers of medals are not the most important part of the Paralympic Games.

"The most important thing is to promote the Paralympic movement," Wei said, "and to improve the course of people with disability in China."

People enjoy themselves aroud the Paralympic venues.

At popular venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, spectators and athletes have been enjoying themselves as they pose for pictures around the Olympic Green and mingle with other spectators from around the world.

"I've had a great time watching the athletes and taking the children to see events," said Ms. Li from Shanghai. "My family came here to watch and we are having a lot of fun. The kids always laugh when the mascots come out."

Though most tourists, journalists and athletes left Beijing after the Olympics ended on August 24, there is still a very high attendance rate at all the Paralympic events. Attendance rate has been between 80-90 percent for all of the events, Wei said today. All the swimming events have been sold out.

Spectators cheer at a Paralympic venue.

Though the atmosphere during the Games has been jovial and fun, the roars of the crowd are not as loud as the Olympics. Yet there is still a serious competitive spirit.

"It is inspiring," said Li. "The athletes are so tough. They are just like any of the other Olympic athletes."

However the Paralympics are not comparative with the Olympic Games. IPC organizers said they have tried to make each Paralympics distinctive.

"People appreciate the Paralympic Games for what they are and enjoy them most importantly," said David Grevemberg, IPC executive director of Sport and IF Relations.

(China.org.cn September 12, 2008)