The Rio Olympic Games closed on August 21, and “Paralympics time” has arrived. The Chinese Paralympics delegation arrived at Rio de Janeiro on August 31. The delegation has 499 members, including 308 athletes, the largest ever from China.

They travelled in three groups. The third group has more than 360 people, and one-third of them were using wheelchairs.

Swimmer Xu Qing, who has won seven gold medals, is attending his fourth Paralympics. Xu said that he felt a little bit tired but excited, and he will do his best at Rio.

Lu Shangji, blind soccer team leader, said that taking part in Paralympic Games means a lot to him. They will fight for the best result at the competition.

Consul-general of China in Rio Song Yang welcomed the Chinese delegation, saying that all consulate staff will learn from the positive attitude of the athletes.

The Rio Paralympics will be held from September 7 to 18. There are 22 big events and 528 smaller events this year, and 4,350 athletes from more than 170 countries and regions will compete. China has finished first in the last three Paralympics.