A modern cartoon figure in traditional Chinese colors, the Beijing 2008 Paralympics mascot “Fu Niu Lele” started its term as friendship ambassador on Sept. 6, when a grand launching ceremony was held at the foot of the Great Wall’s Badaling section. The image of the cow totally reflects the spirits of disabled people, such as being down-to-earth, diligent, determined and having a never-say-die spirit. The determined, optimistic and diligent spirit of cows also reflects a positive attitude towards life.

In designing the mascot, the artist sought to express the spirit of disabled people through a simple image. “The Games calls for people with a disability to enjoy the same rights, to compete in sports as anyone else, and to achieve sporting excellence, exciting and inspiring the world,” said Wu Guanying, the main designer. “The cow represents the same ideas.”

“The mascot reflects the Chinese tradition of striving to become stronger and great virtues carrying great responsibilities,” said enthusiastically Liu Qi, secretary of Beijing Municipal CPC Committee. “It will also send best wishes of the Chinese people to people with a disability in all parts of the world: Happiness, Peace and Good Luck.”

After the unveiling of the mascot, licensed mascot products and stamps will go on sale nationwide in the following days.

In the presence of Zeng Qinghong, China’s vice President, Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Liu Qi, president of the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee (BOCOG), the mascot was presented to the attending guests and, via live television broadcasting, to the public.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will be held from September 6 to 17 in 2008, with expected 4,000 athletes from 150 countries and regions participating in 20 sports.

Help:

launch v. to start something, usually something big or important 發起

strive v. to make a great effort to achieve something努力

True (T) or False (F):

1. Fu Niu Lele has been being a well-known cartoon character in China.

2. Wu Guanying was mainly responsible for the mascot’s design.

3. Fu Niu Lele-related products will be available after Sept. 6, 2006.

4. All countries’ athletes will attend the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Key: 1-4 FTTF