The facility, which opened earlier this week, was used for 16th Asian Games last month but has been transformed by the Guangzhou Asian Para Games Organising Committee (GAPGOC) to ensure accessibility for all disability athletes.

More than 2,500 athletes from 41 countries will reside in the spectacular venue in the "Flower City" when the competition gets under way in two days' time (December 12).

Rajasegaran said: "With the opening of the Athletes' Village we will soon witness a happy gathering of Asian athletes, team officials and guests in Guangzhou.

"The facilities are top class.

"A stage is built on which athletes will compete intensely, people from different cultures will communicate with each other and the vision of 'We cheer, We share, We win' will be fulfilled.

"I am confident the city will be able to stage the most harmonious, friendly and heart warming Asian Para Games and hope every athlete and team official can enjoy their time in the Athletes' Village."

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) chief executive Xavier Gonzalez was equally impressed as he added: "The best word to describe the athletes' village is big.

"It is one of the most spacious and colourful villages I have seen and I am sure the athletes will enjoy their time there.

"The thousands of flowers that decorate the village help bring a vibrant and lively feel to the area.

"GAPGOC appear to have managed the transition from the Asian Games to the Asian Para Games very well.

"All work has been completed on time and to a high standard and they are to be congratulated on their efforts."


Meanwhile, IPC President Sir Philip Craven has called on the Paralympic Movement to take advantage of a unique opportunity to build on the legacy of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games by delivering a highly successful 2010 Asian Para Games in what he claims will be a crucial ten days in China.

"It is very rare for a country to stage such a major event like the Asian Para Games so soon after it has staged the Paralympic Games," said Sip Philip.

"This gives us a superb chance to build on the legacy of the most successful Paralympic Games ever in Beijing two years ago.

"Asia is changing faster than any other continent in the world and it is vital that the Paralympic Movement is part of that change."

As well as the transition of the Athletes' Village, GAPGOC, the local Government and a number of stakeholders have made significant improvements to the city's infrastructure for the Asian Para Games in changes the IPC President claims must be long lasting.

"The creation of a number of barrier-free environments must not end on December 19 when these Games close," he said.

"They should be permanent and part of the legacy these Games leave.

"A number of barriers have been broken down in Guangzhou and I am 100 per cent certain that our athletes will help break down social barriers with some unforgettable performances over the next week.

"The success of these Games should not just be judged on the performances of the athletes or which country tops the medal table.

"Long-term these Games will be judged on what legacy they leave here in Guangzhou, and that legacy starts now that our athletes are here and ready to compete.

"From the moment you step off the plane here in Guangzhou, you cannot fail to notice just how proud this city is in staging the 2010 Asian Para Games.

"This city has created some superb venues for our athletes to compete in and I am confident that the thousands of spectators who come out over the next week will not fail to be impressed by the courage and determination of our athletes."

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