At the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games on the night of the 4th, IPC = International Paralympic Committee President Parsons squeezed the fists of both hands at the end of the speech and strongly appealed "Peace!"
The full text of the speech by Chairman Parsons.
“It's not an era of war and hatred”
Good evening, President Xi Jinping of China, Chairman Cai Qi of the Games Organizing Committee, sports fans all over the world, athletes representing each country and region, officers, guests, and so on.
And welcome to the Beijing Paralympics.
Tonight, I want to start with the message of peace, no, I have to.
As a leader of an organization with symbiosis at its core, celebrating diversity and embracing differences, I am deeply shocked by what is happening in the world today.
The 21st century should be an era of dialogue and diplomacy.
It's not an era of war and hatred.
“The world must not be divided where we live together”
The truce during the Olympic and Paralympic Games was adopted by the consensus of 193 UN member states at the 76th UN General Assembly as a UN resolution.
It should be respected and protected and should not be violated.
At IPC, we aim for a better world where everyone can coexist, a world free of discrimination, hatred, and ignorance.
Here in Beijing, para-athletes come from 46 countries and regions to compete with each other.
I don't fight.
Through sports, we will show the best of humankind and highlight the values that are the basis of peace and the world where everyone coexists.
The Paralympians know.
The opponent does not have to be an enemy.
I hope we can achieve even more if we walk together.
Tonight, the Paralympic Movement is calling on officials from around the world.
As with athletes, unite and promote peace, understanding and coexistence.
The world should be a place to live together.
It must not be divided.
“Change begins with sports”
Change begins with sports.
It brings harmony, which can change people's ways of life, towns, and even nations.
Beijing, the setting for both the summer and winter Paralympics for the first time in history, is a testament to this.
Before the tournament, hundreds of thousands of facilities were made barrier-free.
The venue is magnificent and the organizational management is outstanding.
Countermeasures against the new coronavirus are also perfect and efficient.
Due to the hospitality of the Chinese people, we have created a place to showcase the best Paralympics and winter sports.
It's also great to have the opportunity to experience winter sports for people with disabilities.
Thank you to all the Chinese people.
There was a moment when the Paralympians accepted the disability by feeding on sports.
He made himself a part of himself without being denied by his disability, and found his strength there.
I find strength in obstacles that are often seen as weaknesses and maximize my potential.
“I can change the world with my own power, and I am proud to change it”
If 15% of the world's population is disabled, the Paralympians show that the remaining 85% can be fulfilled if the disabled are given the opportunity to do whatever they want.
Therefore, the "WE THE 15" campaign has been launched under the initiative of IPC and others, and is working with 18 international organizations.
A campaign for disability visibility, accessibility, symbiosis and equal rights.
The world's 1.2 billion people with disabilities should have the opportunity to sing, pursue their dreams, survive the twists and turns, and contribute to society as well.
Mankind, and each and every one of us, should promise such changes and guarantee such opportunities.
Finally, para-athletes, I think it was never easy to prepare for this tournament, especially under a pandemic.
You show the meaning of your determination and embody patience.
Rejoice in what you have accomplished and be proud to be able to change the world on your own.
And please enjoy it under fair play.
I wish you all the best.
Peace!