China Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with the country's official delegation to the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics on Monday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to rally them as they go on to participate in the said competitions.

The Vice Premier was accompanied by State Councilor Wang Yong and had "extended greetings and best wishes to the delegation and encouraged the athletes to go all out at the 15th Paralympic Games which will take place in Rio de Janeiro from Sept. 7 to 18", as per Xinhuanet.

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"The Chinese leadership has always attached great importance to the welfare of disabled people and the cause of Paralympic sports. We hope you can spread the Olympic spirit, the spirit of Chinese sports as well as the spirit of Paralympics in Rio," Liu told the athletes during her message.

China.org reported that 308 athletes comprise the Chinese Paralympic contingent, which is said to be the "largest China has ever sent overseas to a Paralympics" event.

The country had dominated the medal standings of the past three Paralympics Games and the team will continue to aim for its high standards this year amidst high expectations from officials and supporters.

"Heroes cannot be judged by victory or defeat. Either as an individual athlete or a sports team, you should always do the best that you can, and show the high-level athletic ability of Chinese disabled people," said Liu.

Meanwhile, Councilor Wang urged the athletes to "try their best and compete for national glory as well as individual honor" as they represent the nation in the global competitions that features 528 events in 22 sports disciplines.

China had been particularly strong in swimming, which they hope to once again dominate this summer.

"We have made very good preparations, and everything is running smoothly. I think the whole team is well-conditioned. We hope this time we can outperform the previous games and make new breakthroughs," China swimming coach Huang Yan said.

TagsChina sports, China sports news, China sports news 2016, Liu Yandong, 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics