2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing: News and Facts
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2 Aug 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
Learn about the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China, the thirteenth Paralympic Games, including athletes, participating nations, events, and key facts.
At a Glance
- 1 - Rowing made its first appearance in the Paralympics at these games.
- 2 - A record 76 countries and regions won medals, two more than the previous high set in Athens in 2004.
- 3 - The mascot was a cartoon cow named Fu Niu Lele, and the theme song "Flying with the Dream" was sung by Andy Lau.
- 4 - The torch relay began at Tian Tan on August 28 and followed two routes, the Route of Ancient China and the Route of Modern China.
Topic Definition
- Summer Paralympic Games
The Summer Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, held in the same year and, since 1988, the same host city as the Summer Olympic Games. Organized under the International Paralympic Committee, the event brings together thousands of competitors from around the world across a wide range of sports, with athletes grouped by classification systems designed to keep competition fair. The 2008 edition, held in Beijing, China, from September 6 to 17, was the thirteenth Summer Paralympics and stood out for its scale, drawing its largest field of nations to that point. As with the Olympics that year, some events took place outside the main host city, with equestrian competition in Hong Kong and sailing in Qingdao.
Overview
The 2008 Summer Paralympic Games, the thirteenth Paralympics, took place in Beijing, China from September 6 to 17, 2008. As with the 2008 Summer Olympics, equestrian events were held in Hong Kong and sailing events in Qingdao. 3,951 athletes from 146 countries took part.
As with the 2008 Summer Olympics, equestrian events were held in Hong Kong and sailing events in Qingdao. Over 4,200 athletes from 148 countries took part in the 2008 games. This was the largest ever number of nations at the Paralympics (twelve more than in Athens), and several countries competed for the first time. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven declared the Games "the greatest Paralympic Games ever."
Torch Relay
The torch relay of the 2008 Summer Paralympics started from Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven) on August 28. The flame then gathered before The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and followed two routes (the "Route of Ancient China" and the "Route of Modern China"). Both routes returned to Beijing on September 5, and the torch was flamed at the National Stadium during the Opening Ceremony on September 6.
The pre-ceremony performance was a succession of various musical performances, ranging from military music to folk music and a performance of Ode to Joy. Following a countdown, a fireworks display signaled the beginning of the ceremony proper. The national flag of China was then raised, in accordance with usual protocol, and the national anthem of China performed.
2008 Paralympics Facts:
- Rowing made its first appearance in the Paralympics at these games.
- The mascot was a cartoon cow named Fu Niu Lele, roughly meaning "Lucky Ox Happy"
- The theme song, sung by well-known and popular Cantonese singer Andy Lau was 'Flying with the Dream'.
- The 2008 Paralympic Games slogan was the same as the 2008 Summer Olympics, "One World, One Dream".
- Many of the world's weaker sporting nations also made their breakthroughs in Beijing.
- A record 76 countries and regions won medals, two more than the previous high in Athens in 2004.
- Several delegations won either their first-ever gold medal or first medal of any color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the 2008 Summer Paralympics held
The 2008 Summer Paralympics were held in Beijing, China, with equestrian events staged in Hong Kong and sailing events held in Qingdao.
When did the 2008 Summer Paralympics take place
The games ran from September 6 to September 17, 2008, following the 2008 Summer Olympics in the same host city.
How many sports were contested at the 2008 Paralympics
Athletes competed across roughly twenty sports, and rowing was introduced for the first time at these games.
What is the difference between the Paralympics and the Olympics
The Paralympics are the elite international games for athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities, while the Olympics are for athletes without those classifications, though both are held in the same year and host city.
Who organizes the Summer Paralympic Games
The International Paralympic Committee governs and organizes the Paralympic Games, working with the local host organizing committee for each edition.
How do athletes qualify for the Paralympic Games
Athletes qualify through their national bodies by meeting sport-specific standards and completing a classification process that groups competitors by the impact of their impairment.
Which city hosted the Summer Paralympics after Beijing 2008
London, United Kingdom, hosted the next Summer Paralympic Games in 2012, following Beijing in 2008.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.
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