TECHNOLOGY was an invaluable partner for athletes and individuals with disabilities during the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, which wrapped up yesterday.

Over 7,800 athletes from 34 delegations registered for the Games, which were held across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The most significant highlight of the Games was the major role technology played in assisting athletes. Across the venues, a range of cutting-edge technologies were used to create an accessible and supportive environment, including the Internet of Things, AI, big data, and digital twins.

Gong Wei, a Beijing-based volunteer who has been providing remote sign language translation for more than a year, said the number of requests increased during the Games.

Through a program on WeChat, users can connect with volunteers for video calls within seconds. “This service not only breaks down geographic distance but also bridges the psychological gap for people with hearing impairments, offering them certainty and confidence,” Gong said.

The program was developed by Shi Chengchuan, a hearing-impaired person whose team has also created sign language translation software and devices used in places like government offices, hospitals, and schools.

Zheng Qihao, a Games official from Guangzhou, said smart, barrier-free modules were installed across various venues and connected to each venue’s central control system. These included emergency help buttons, accessible query platforms, smart service pillars, and online sign language translation machines.

The integration of smart systems could also be seen in newly introduced electronic dartboards, which are height adjustable to accommodate wheelchair users.

“The dartboard’s automatic height adjustment has made it much safer and more reliable than traditional models,” said Luo Baogang, coach of Shaanxi Province’s dart team for persons with disabilities. “Athletes are much more comfortable with the new electronic dartboards because they’re designed with their needs in mind.”

Beyond the competition floor, technology like guide dog robots assisted athletes with visual impairments, and digital twin technology enabled real-time monitoring of venue operations. A range of advanced products were used during competitions, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing.

Chen Xuejun, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, said the Games provide an opportunity to better integrate disability services into broader social development.

“We aim for higher-quality and more sustainable progress so that people with disabilities can look forward to a brighter future,” Chen said. (Xinhua)