Deng, who is also the Executive Presidnt of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, tells CRI that such an honor is a recognition of China's achievement in improving living and sporting for people with disablities.

"The honor is a nature result for China. Over the past several decades, especially since we embarked on the opening and reform policies, we have achieved great strides in improving the life of the disabled. Sports for people with disablities have also been greatly improved."

The Paralympic Order is the highest tribute a person connected with the Paralympic Movement may achieve. It's only awarded to those who have made important contributions to the Paralympic movement and have illustrated the Paralympic ideal through their actions. They have either achived remarkable merit in Paralympic sports world or have rendered outstanding services to the Paralympic cause.

Deng Pufang is the first Chinese to receive such an honor. There are altogether 11 recipients this year. Other laureats are: Jack Benedick, Birgitta Blomquist, Chris Cohen, Enrique Perez, Sir Albert Tricot, Ian Harrison, Dr. Robert jackson, Carol Mushett, Dr. Whang Youn Dai and Lee Coudenys.

Cohen, Perez, China's Deng, Harrison, Dr. Whang, and Coudenys attended the awarding ceremony Saturday afternoon in Beijing where the International Paralympic Committee is having its General Assembly.