Athens, Sept. 19 (CNA) Republic of China first lady Wu Shu-jen said Sunday that Taiwan athletes to the Paralympic Games in Athens deserve the applause of all of Taiwan regardless of how the athletes fare in their respective events.
Wu made the remarks during a banquet held in honor of the Taiwan delegation to the Paralympics and Taiwan's personnel in foreign missions to express her appreciation for their efforts over the past several days.
The first lady said that she is happy to have led the Taiwan delegation to Athens and to have seen Taiwan Paralympic athletes perform well in judo, table tennis, shooting and other events. Lin Chin-mei won a silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol event Sunday, securing Taiwan's first medal at the Athens games.
Pointing out that challenged athletes have to work harder than athletes without disabilities, Wu said he strongly feels their devotion and spirit.
She stressed that no matter how they fare in their respective competitions, the athletes are doing their best and the Taiwan people will give them a big applause, as "the process is more important than the result."
She also expressed the hope that the Taiwan public will learn more and care more about the life of those with disabilities, as well as attach greater importance to their rights and welfare so that they will be able to lead better and more dignified lives.