On October 10th, the third annual “Desert Impression” Kaiyang Cup (2024) Wheelchair Challenger Conference and the inaugural “Caring for the Elderly and Assisting the Disabled in the Desert Impression” event kicked off in the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia.
This year’s event featured 20 teams representing 19 provinces and municipalities across the country, with a total of 162 athletes participating. Among them, 129 were athletes with physical disabilities, while 33 represented other disabilities such as hearing and visual impairments.
Long Mo, a member of the China Disabled Person’s Welfare Foundation, expressed hopes that this event would inspire greater attention and support for disabled individuals. He added, “I hope every participant can discover themselves, surpass their limits, and achieve their goals through these challenges.”
Notably, this year’s competition has expanded from the previous edition, adding two new events for a total of 12. These include wheelchair desert road challenges covering 10 kilometers, desert trekking, and adaptability challenges unique to the desert. The program also features various site events such as a 50-meter barrier course for blind wheelchair athletes, a wheelchair 4×100 meter relay, a 100-meter race, a wheelchair lake race, and a mixed-team tug-of-war.
Additionally, participants can engage in cultural activities like Mongolian wrestling, traditional archery, and a bonfire night to immerse themselves in the unique charm of desert culture.
This event also spotlighted the “Respect for the Elderly and Integration of Disabled and Able-bodied” activities in honor of the Double Ninth Festival. The aim is to care for the elderly and disabled while combining traditional festivities with experiences of the desert, enhancing intergenerational dialogue and interaction.
According to Jia Peng, a member of the Inner Mongolia Disabled Persons Federation’s leadership, this event serves not only as a showcase of the sporting abilities of people with disabilities but also as a powerful call for society to care for and support the development of services for disabled individuals.
“This grand occasion is more than a stage for disabled individuals; it’s a critical moment to promote the virtues of respect for the elderly and uphold positive social values. By providing a platform for seniors and disabled individuals to participate together, we foster greater understanding and compassion among them,” Jia stated.
