The inaugural event was formed from the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) which was staged nine times at various locations across Asia between 1975 and 2006.

But the 2010 Asian Para Games is the first time the competition will be staged at the same location as the Asian Games which drew to a close last month.

The APC President claims the event in China's "Flower City", the biggest competition in the Paralympic Movement since the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, will be truly spectacular.

"Athletes arriving in Guangzhou over the next few days will find a city that has built facilities that are better than at any other Asian Para Games," he said.

"To compete in such facilities and in front of such passionate crowds is something many may never have experienced before and it is vital they grasp the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Starting on Sunday, the people of Guangzhou will witness inspirational performances which are as equally special as the venues and the city itself.

"For many participants this will be their first major championships and rather than being daunted by the prospect they should be excited and determined to enjoy every single minute.

"Others will be using this event as a stepping stone to the London 2012 Paralympic Games and will be determined to put in performances that send out a warning to competitors around the world."

Competition and training venues plus all other facilities used for the 16th Asian Games last month will be converted to meet the disability-accessible requirements for Asian Para Games athletes, officials, staff and audience, with 41 nations and 2,500 competitors set to attend.

"The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games were the most successful in the history of the Paralympic Movement, leaving a lasting legacy not only in China, but the whole of Asia," said Zarin.

"A lot of work has gone into creating a vast number of barrier-free facilities in Guangzhou and the most important thing is that these will remain here long after the conclusion of the Asian Para Games.

"It is important, though, that the legacy left from these Games is not just material based.

"As with Beijing it is vital that attitudes towards people with a disability continue to change and I expect that this will happen once the people of this great city witness the stunning and remarkable performances by our athletes."

The Asian Para Games will feature 19 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, cycling, football five-a-side, football seven-a-side, goalball, judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, ten-pin bowling, volleyball (sitting), wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair tennis.

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