“The measure of a man is not the wealth he acquires. The worth of a woman is not the affluence she attains. How then do we gauge greatness? Human beings should be judged by the principles that they propound and by the obstacles that they overcome. By those standards, we, tonight, find ourselves in the company of giants.

    This week, on the waters off Qingdao, women with impaired hands sailed against men with useless legs, and again defined the meaning of ability.

    The Qingdao International regatta was originally intended as a modestly-funded opportunity for disabled sailors to experience conditions on the Yellow Sea. But in just he last few weeks, the championship became a major test for Olympic and Paralympic sailing. The regatta was expected to reveal weaknesses in preparation. Instead, it demonstrated major strengths in preparedness. China is ready for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Qingdao is ready for the Olympic and Paralympic regattas. Staff, volunteers and sailors are ready for racing.

    Madam Zang (Vice-Mayor of Qingdao), Qingdao will become the sailing capital of Asia. The city is also positioned to become the Asian model for excellence in disability services. The future is merely a mater of choice for the people and government of Qingdao.

    Ladies and gentlemen, it will not be just me who thanks the Vice-Chairman of th Olympic Sailing Committee (Madam Zang). It will be you. It will not be just me who thanks the enormously long list of people who delivered the success that was the Qingdao International Regatta. It will be you.

    Our species is not constrained by a belief in the impossible. Let us therefore rise and applaud our friends who made all this happen.”