During the fourth Asian Para Games, Hangzhou, the host city in east China’s Zhejiang Province, has unveiled a series of initiatives promoting the engagement of disabled individuals in cultural and sports activities. These programs aim to foster inclusivity and create opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
The Qiantang District’s Hezhuang Street Cultural and Sports Center has been at the forefront of these efforts, organizing a variety of activities tailored for disabled individuals to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Sports such as swimming, taekwondo, and wheelchair racing not only improve fitness but also build camaraderie among participants. Through shared experiences, individuals find joy and fulfillment, enriching both body and mind.
Beyond sports, Hangzhou’s Sunshine Art Center provides a platform for disabled individuals to explore and develop their artistic talents. Participants engage in creating traditional hand fans, cloisonné enamel art, overglaze painting, and crafting purple clay teapots. Since its establishment in 2009, the center has trained over 80,000 people, according to local government reports. These artistic endeavors not only nurture creativity but also offer avenues for income generation.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, approximately 400,000 disabled individuals participate in government-subsidized vocational training programs annually. Collaborative efforts from various departments and regions have broadened employment opportunities, resulting in diverse forms of employment such as proportional employment, concentrated employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and supportive employment.
These initiatives reflect a growing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment for disabled individuals in China, highlighting the importance of providing accessible opportunities for all members of society.
Reference(s):
Live: Boosting disabled individuals via cultural and sports activities
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