China and the development of sport for persons with a disability, 1978–2008: a review

Abstract

The 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games have had a very positive impact on many aspects of Chinese society beyond sport. This article focuses on the wide-ranging changes that have taken place since 1978 for the 83 million persons with disabilities in China. Organizations such as the Chinese Disabled Sports Association (1983) and the Disabled Persons Federation (1988) have been established and the 1995 People's Republic of China Sport Law ‘supporting sport for the elderly and disabled’ was initiated. New government policies also support fitness programmes, special education policies, National Games, new sports facilities, local recreational activities and the participation of high-performance athletes in the international Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) and Paralympic Games. However, there are many ongoing challenges to increasing opportunities for and the participation of those with disabilities in all areas of sport and fitness. Fortunately, with the rapid development of China's economy, more support for disability sport has been possible.