Torch bearers Aileen Neilson (R) and Angie Malone, wheelchair curlers, hold their torches during the Paralympic Heritage Flame Lighting Ceremony for the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Stoke Mandeville, Britain, Feb. 28, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

Amid the darkening prospects for global peace, the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will go on and Beijing, the host, intends to set an example that life and sports should continue, despite the onset of a major military conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

We cannot allow a military conflict in Europe to overshadow the daily affairs of our lives. The world must not come to a full stop.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Winter Paralympics can help today's society come toward a healing process and feel inspired by the courageous athletes who will compete. The opening ceremony is set for Friday at Beijing's Bird's Nest National Stadium. We can anticipate a grand affair along with amazing performances and dazzling special effects to impress the audience at the stadium and the TV and live stream viewers.

As of February 20, 2022, 647 athletes from 48 countries and regions registered and would be competing in the Games. Each athlete serves as a symbol of hope and courage to the world. They had suffered from either an unfortunate physical disability or a permanent injury and trauma that had a deep impact on their lives and their family members. Yet, they refused to allow a physical disability ruin their spirit of strong will and determination. Some of the athletes might be physically blind but from a perspective of character and wisdom, they can see better than many other people. 

That's why the Paralympics were organized a few decades ago. The Games embrace true tolerance, inclusivity, and give full meaning to this year's Winter Olympics slogan, "Together for a Shared Future." Despite their impairments, they have trained and made tremendous sacrifices to compete. They deserve to be counted as great and talented athletes too.  

They remained ambitious and had sought to become an athlete of world-renowned fame. Their lives demonstrated a beacon of hope for all other people suffering from the same ailments that they had endured.

Meanwhile, the Paralympics will come at an opportune moment to help global citizens to divert their attention from the darkness that abounds in Europe. People can see how the Paralympics can and should symbolize hope amid tragic circumstances. 

People in the Northern Hemisphere are just about to enter the season of spring while warmer and sunnier days are soon on the horizon. The month of March is considered a month of dramatic transformation. The Winter Paralympics occurring this March holds great significance. As the winter enters its final days, the spring season of hope stands ready to appear. 

For reference according to the official Olympic website, here's a description of the Paralympics emblem: "named 'Leaps' - artfully transforms fei, the Chinese character for 'fly.' Created by artist Lin Cunzhen, the emblem is designed to invoke the image of an athlete in a wheelchair pushing toward the finish line and victory. The emblem also personifies the Paralympics vision of enabling Para athletes to 'achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.'"

Yes we should all feel inspired by this emblem. Each and every one of us has strengths and weaknesses in our characters, intellects and physical capabilities. The Paralympics can act as the reminder that every person has their own dignity and they have the right to compete for Olympics' medals too. They could overcome their personal misfortunes and so can all others. 

The author is the author of book "US vs. China: From Trade Wars to Reciprocal Deal," as well as geopolitical consultant and commentator on Asia-Pacific affairs. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn