Athletes of the Chinese delegation attend the opening ceremony  of the Paralympic village in Beijing, China, Aug. 30, 2008.  The Paralympic village officially opened to athletes from all  over the world on Saturday for the Beijing Paralympic Games. (Xinhua Photo)

The athletes' village for the Beijing Paralympics has officially opened. The village, which was transformed from the Olympic Village, will be home to more than 7,000 athletes and officials during the Paralympics, starting from September the 6th. Organizers say the facilities have been modified to the needs of disabled people. Tactile and accessible pavements are installed in public areas; the serving tables are all lowered, and passageways are now wide enough for easy wheelchair access. The Chinese delegation was the first to check in. Jamaica, Slovenia and Serbia are expected to follow soon. Besides over forty apartment buildings, there are shops, a hospital and a bank. After the Games, the apartments will be converted to housing for the public.

Athletes of Chinese delegation walk through the Paralympic  village in Beijing, China, Aug. 30, 2008. The Paralympic village  officially opened to athletes from all over the world on  Saturday for the Beijing Paralympic Games.(Xinhua Photo)