Friendly Cow is Beijing Paralympics Mascot

(ATR) A cow named Fu Niu Lele is the mascot for the 2008 Paralympic Games, revealed in a ceremony at the Great Wall on the two-year mark to the Beijing Paralympics.

A release from Beijing 2008 says the inspiration for a cow came from China's farming heritage.

"Cows, symbolic of a down-to-earth, diligent, staunch and never-say-die spirit, are adopted to show the unremitting spirit of athletes with a disability in being the best they can be," says the release.

"The determined, optimistic and diligent spirit of cows reflects a positive attitude to life," the explanation continues.

"Fu Niu Lele invites people from across the globe to come to Beijing, enjoy the splendours of the Beijing Paralympic Games and see the inspiring performances of Paralympic athletes who achieve the unexpected," says the release.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong had the honor of unveiling the mascot at the Great Wall ceremony.

Also taking part were BOCOG president Liu Qi, International Paralympics Committee President Philip Craven, Liu Peng, president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan and Deng Pufang, president of China Disabled Persons' Federation.

"I hope that the mascot will be loved by the people with a disability across the world and by all others. May the mascot bring good luck to us all!" said Deng in his remarks.

In keeping with the commercial spirit of mascots, merchandise with the new Paralympic mascot, including commemorative postage stamps will be on sale in China within days.

The Beijing Paralympics will take place from September 6 to 17. Athletes will compete in 20 sports.

More than 4,000 athletes from 150 nations are expected.

Your best source of news about Beijing 2008 is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.