A participant uses a computer in the Digital Film studio.Photos courtesy of Cultural and Education Section, British Embassy

"The program helps provide Beijing and China with a Paralympic legacy by providing the young advocates with the skills to be the actual legacy - spreading the Paralympic Spirit, long after the Games have finished, and disseminating the skills they have gained," said Dr Rebecca Nadin, assistant director from British Council China. "Through these young advocates, millions of people will become aware of the Paralympic Games, Paralympic Spirit and social inclusion."

The young advocates participated in five workshops in accordance with their own interests.

In the Communication Through Creativity section, directors from the Northern Ballet Theater (NBT) demonstrated some simple ballet steps. Participants were then encouraged to adapt and change these acts and even develop new moves.

"We assign them to give a final dance performance. We hope that the disabled could gain more confidence in dancing, and that the able-bodied could learn how to get along with people with mixed disabilities through cooperating with them," said Joanna Claire Dean, a NBT coordinator.

In the Digital Film studio, designed by YeastCulture (YC), a London-based creative agency, 30 participants viewed short films about the Paralympic Spirit, which they then would incorporate into one comprehensive production. The creativity and humor of their stories won applause from their directors, who are all professionals in film and visual arts.

"I shall take these stories and happy experiences back home," said James Lusted, one participant and also a gold medal winner at the Dwarf Athletic National British Games. "The spirit behind the difficulty and happiness we have undergone here will contribute to our preparations for the London 2012." During his time in the forum, Lusted's project was to tell stories about his time in Beijing through a personal-diary video.

For Liu Wei, another participant, his most exciting memory of the program is of a creative workshop delivered by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Britain.

Liu lost his arms at the age of 10 because of an electric shock accident. However, he learned to swim and won several athletic awards at national competitions for disabled persons. He has also learned to play piano with his feet and begun to learn about composing. During one workshop, he had a chance to play the piano, accompanying a musician from Britain's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in June.

Jin Ling, a visually-impaired reporter from Beijing-based One Plus One Blind People Workshop, said she was very impressed by the participants' performances in the workshops.

"Compared to previous workshops, the programs this time are more diverse and closer to representing the needs of disabled people," she explained.

By Lin Qi