Sir Philip surveys barrier-free facilities in Qingdao

Sir Philip Craven gives the barrier-free taxi a try.

(QINGDAO, April 8) -- Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, toured the Qingdao Sailing Center and surveyed the barrier-free facilities here on Monday. Accompanied by his wife, Sir Philip reviewed the city's preparations for the Paralympic Sailing events.

He even tested out the barrier-free taxi service offered by the city.

At the end of his visit, Sir Philip affirmed the progress of the Paralympic preparations, calling Qingdao a beautiful port city full of enthusiasm and energy.

The Olympic Games, including the sailing events, will play a major role in driving a city's development, he said, pointing out that he thought especially highly of the Beijing Olympic concept of a "People's Olympics."

All Olympic and Paralympic athletes belong to the same Olympic Family, he said.