PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea will take part for the first time this year in the Paralympics, which open Wednesday in London. It has long been accused of shunting its disabled residents off to isolated detention camps
The country’s sole competitor is a 16-year-old swimmer whose training only began in April. Yet North Korea’s participation offers inspiration to others involved in North Korea’s nascent disabled sports programs, says Li Pun Hui, a former table tennis star who has become her country’s leading advocate for disabled athletes.
Li said: “Healthy or disabled, if you have the will to succeed, there is no obstacle in your way.”
Earlier this year, Li’s work helped gain North Korea provisional membership in the International Paralympic Committee. But the clearance came too late to qualify for most events.
