Deng Pufang, President of China Disabled Persons' Federation president, addressed a speach at Beijing Charity Gala Ball. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.COM/ Yang Yong]

A grand charity gala ball to benefit the Chinese disabled athletes' gymnastics delegation for the 2008 was held on Friday night, November 30, in Beijing. This is to celebrate the up-coming 16th International Day for Disabled Persons.

Money was raised on the spot via donations and auctions. People from all walks of life, including government officers, renowned TV hosts, Olympic heroes, film stars and businessmen all attended the event. They gave performances on the stage, helped with collecting money from the audience and also joined the auctions.

Sang Lan, a former gymnast, and Bai Yansong, television host of CCTV hosted the charity ball. Athlete representatives of the Olympics and the Special Olympics were invited onto the stage and shared their experiences and encouragement as well as their expectations for the Beijing Olympics.

Launched by the China Disabled Persons Federation and China Welfare Fund for the Handicapped, Beijing Charity Gala Ball is one of the annual largest and grandest charity events in Beijing.

The charity auction on the night lasted for 4 hours and collected around 18.78 million yuan, or about 2.5 million US dollars.