Xu Ke (right), a designer of a popular line of aromatherapy products, has a photo taken with a visitor who admires her work. [Photo by Wang Peng/For China Daily]

Connected by sports

As a representative of China's "Beautiful Crafts Workshop", Tang Zhanxin shared her journey with the initiative at the Paris exhibition.

She was a leader of the bouquet team that made the handcrafted bouquets given to medalists at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

"Out of the 1,251 bouquets given at the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, 500 were made by us, created by the hands of more than 150 people with disabilities," Tang recalls.

The Winter Games showcased the skill and artistry of Chinese women with special needs and generated numerous orders for crocheted flowers, significantly boosting the women's income, according to Tang.

Tang, who uses a wheelchair, and her team brought a collection of exquisite crocheted flower creations to Paris and made bouquets for members of the Chinese Paralympic delegation.

"We traveled from Beijing to romantic Paris with our beautiful products," Tang says. "Our visit is not only to support Chinese athletes up close but also to seek further business opportunities.

"We hope that our flowers will shine at the Paralympics and gain international recognition, allowing the world to see the wisdom and talents of women with special needs."

At the exhibition, a distinctive collection of items highlighted the intersection of art and accessibility, showcasing designs inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Among the featured works was a popular line of aromatherapy products, including candles and scents that had sold out during last year's Hangzhou Asian Para Games held in Zhejiang province.

Xu Ke, a 23-year-old with a hearing impairment, is the designer of the best-selling products. While studying at Zhejiang Vocational College of Special Education last year, Xu's design for Meitong Aroma, a Zhejiang-based company, was selected as official merchandise for the Asian Para Games. After graduation, she transitioned to a full-time role with the company.

Shi Xiaoyan, head of Meitong Aroma, explains that the company's collaboration with the vocational college is aimed at fostering student creativity through social practice projects. Notably, 10 percent of the revenue from these products is donated to charitable causes.

"Last year's Asian Para Games merchandise was entirely designed by students with physical challenges," Shi says.

"From the first inspirations to engravings and fragrance designs by students with visual impairments, we strive to help these talented individuals realize their dreams through their craft."