CRI听力：Paralympians Leaving Beijing with Unforgettable Memories

As the Paralympics have come to an end, Paralympic athletes and staff have also expressed their sincere thanks to the host country and its people before saying farewell.

Our reporter Liao Jibo has the story. (Www.hxen.net)

The music sounds, and it's time to say goodbye. 54-year-old Werner Muller feels a bit sad as he has to say goodbye to another Paralympics, and probably the most unforgettable one.

As a veteran shooter who has participated in 6 Paralympics, the Austrian says he can only say good things about the host city this time.

"In the Paralympic Village from my home country, I heard no one bad message. All say it was perfect in tennis, it was perfect in athletics, it was perfect in shooting, and nobody can say wrong things. The food is good. The service is good. The people are friendly. I think all will go home very happy from here."

Although Werner didn't bag any medal this time, he says he has experienced something more important than winning.

"I didn't win a medal, but I won a lot of very important things for me. This is the best and greatest Paralympics I have been, and not only are the medals of importance, the importance is to be here. And I think I will go home with more than winning gold medals. I think so, with my mind, my heart. Merry memories from China."

For South African swimming star Natalie Du Toit, the summer in Beijing was especially amazing as she has took part in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

With five gold medals and four world records in the Paralympics, Natalie completed an exciting, perfect journey. She expressed her gratitude before leaving.

"I think the motto of 'one world, one dream' has really been symbolized here. I see all worlds coming together and that's been amazing how English has been spoken in this country, so just to say thank you for all of them for going out of the way. It is being amazing for me, and I felt like home, just to say thank you for all of that."

The past two weeks not only provided a stage for all Paralympians to celebrate the spirit of sport, it was also seen as a unique chance for them to know more about the host country and its people.

Many have changed their attitude towards this mysterious, oriental land.

Aikaterini Giannakopoulou is deputy chef de mission from Greece. This is her second time to China.

"The first time I didn't have the opportunity to learn and to know Chinese people, and I have a mistake because I think how is Chinese, I don't like them. But when I come back here, I have the opportunity to meet them more, and I felt so good, because they are very nice people."

Aikataerini says she wants to express her sincere thanks to all Chinese through China Radio International.

"The Greeks love Chinese, and we hope to come back. And we give our love to you and your family."

Liao Jibo, CRI news.