(BEIJING, January 23) -- Tuesday afternoon, Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), toured the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) Gymnasium, which serves as the 2008 Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball training venue.

During his visit, he even had time to play a quick game of wheelchair basketball with the Chinese athletes that were practicing at the venue.

Sir Philip, a former wheelchair basketball player, was extremely pleased with the gymnasium's hardwood floors. He explained that the quality of the floorboards is very important in the sport.

Craven also praised the facilities at National Indoor Stadium (NIS), which will be the competition venue for the 2008 Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball competition. In addition, Sir Philip commended the efforts of the volunteers for the "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 Wheelchair Basketball International Invitational Tournament that is ongoing at NIS.