Disabled Koreans Seek Cancellation of ‘Paralympics’

SEOUL —  About 200 handicapped people demonstrated in downtown Seoul today, punching police officers and demanding the cancellation of the “Paralympics,” the special Olympics for 5,000 disabled athletes to be held in Seoul this year.

“Cancel the Paralympics,” the protesters shouted as they tried to make their way into the streets with hundreds of helmeted riot police blocking the way. The protesters, many in wheelchairs, punched the police as they tried to break through the cordon, but the officers did not react except to block the march by interlocking their shields.

The demonstrators said it is shameful for South Korea to hold the special Olympics while failing to provide sufficient welfare facilities for tens of thousands of the disabled in the country.