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EOC Welcomes the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Which Promotes Social Inclusion

05/09/2008

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) welcomes the co-hosting of the Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong and wishes all athletes every success in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
 
“Transcendence, Equality and Integration are the beliefs of the Paralympics, and these echo with what the EOC has always stood for,” said Mr. Raymond Tang, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
 
As the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games is scheduled to officially open tomorrow, Hong Kong will play an important role through its co-hosting of the Paralympic Equestrian Events from the 7th to the 11th of September 2008.
 
“The EOC believes that each person processes unique talents and abilities, and can overcome barriers to achieve full potential when given equal opportunities to participate. It is only through working together that we can build a more harmonious and inclusive society,” said Mr. Tang.
 
Beijing and the other co-hosting cities (including Hong Kong) have shown their commitment in being proactive when it comes to facilitating equal participation by people with disabilities. The host cities have displayed their efforts in making buildings and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities, which provides long term benefits to the whole community.
 
In order to carry forward the Olympic spirit of pursuing equality through fair competition, education is the key - which is instrumental in fostering the concepts of inclusion and equality.  According to Mr. Tang, “Public education is an important aspect of our work which helps to contribute to a more inclusive society and raise the public awareness of the value of equal participation and the importance of mutual respect.”
 
Mr. Tang continued, “The EOC organizes regular educational programmes such as Career Challenge every year. We invite outstanding individuals to challenge career stereotypes young people may have. This year we have invited Mr. Nelson Yip, the Hong Kong representative in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Equestrian Events, as one of our guest mentors. Mr. Yip will be sharing with our students his unique experience on how to stay determined and strive for excellence despite having to overcome personal and external barriers. We believe that it is through such programmes that we can actively work together to contribute to the betterment of society.”
 
Career Challenge is a Youth Mentorship Programme which aims at addressing career stereotypes of students, as well as to broaden their perspective through participating in large sharing sessions and/or visits to the workplaces of the mentors. Over 3,500 students from more than 80 primary and secondary schools have taken part in this programme over the past few years. The 2008/09 programme is scheduled to begin in mid-September. For more information please browse the EOC website at www.eoc.org.hk
 
 
Media inquiries: Mr. Sam Ho (2106 2187)
 
 
Equal Opportunities Commission
5 September 2008
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