Korean Paralympics squad to take off for Beijing
- 관리자
- 2008.09.01
- Hit 4331
The 132-strong squad, including athletes and coaches for 13 events, will leave for Beijing to compete in the games, which run from Sept. 6 through the 17, the ministry said.
They are aiming for a 14th place finish, with 13 golds, six silvers and seven bronzes. Korea placed 16th at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with 11 gold medals.
At an inaugural ceremony held at Olympic Hall in Seoul, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo addressed more than 300 athletes and family members, saying that he hopes all the best for the Paralympic athletes.
Han also added that more effort and support will be made in the future to improve the environment for disabled athletes.
Han will be attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics, to be participated in by more than 4,000 disabled athletes from some 140 countries, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
Earlier, President Lee Myung-bak sent a letter of encouragement prior to the inaugural ceremony, saying he is "deeply proud" of the Paralympic athletes who have overcome their physical handicaps and that he wishes them the best during the Games.
The Paralympics, a multi-sport event for athletes with physical, mental and sensorial disabilities, are held every four years just after the Olympic Games.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer